Nonprofit staff can be excel 3002159406_9e478983d5_t lent at establishing relationships with major gift donors. They cultivate their donors, learn everything they can about them and invest time and energy in forging meaningful relationships. Unfortunately, the same often cannot be said when it comes to a nonprofit's relationship with potential grant donors.

It used to be that grant makers were kind of like the Wizard of Oz – they hid behind a curtain and didn't want to be seen. That's simply not the case any more though and there's definitely an openness today that didn't exist then. However, many nonprofits are still operating under the assumption that the grant maker is untouchable and therefore are not even taking the time in learning how to approach them properly.

So, what is it exactly that grant makers wish you knew about them in their "new and improved" state? Here are just a few items for your consideration:

They like when nonprofits have done their homework and ensure that they are a good match before submitting an application.
They like communication. Don't let them hear from you just to ask for money. Stay in touch through your mailings, keep them informed and even call sometimes. This is especially true after a rejection! Be persistent. Sometimes a “no” can be interpreted as “not now.”
They like for you to follow their guidelines. As simple as it sounds, there are still nonprofits that send blanket proposals not bothering to check if the grant maker is even accepting applications at that time and not following the suggested guidelines.

You should also inquire about grant makers from other nonprofits you know – they often have some insider information that they're more than happy to share that could help get your foot in the door. Don't forget too that grant makers often have websites that detail their interests, plus their 990's will list who they have supported in the past. All of this is crucial information that can help you determine whether they're a suitable match for funding for your organization.

Be the nonprofit that the grant maker wants to work with. Go for it!

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email this

Comments (7) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

cheap-oakleysunglasses
written by oakley sunglasses, April 18, 2011

Tell you a good news,I find a Cheap Oakley Sunglasses online store,the store has Oakley Sunglasses sale,you can buy Discount Oakley Sunglasses on Oakley Sunglasses shop. Also Oakley Sunglasses Outlet offers a wide variety of active shades. http://www.cheap-oakleysunglasses.org

+0

supra footwear
written by supra footwear, December 27, 2010

Your weblog brings me a great deal of enjoyable.

+0

Great advice!
written by Sandy Rees, December 12, 2010

Great advice Betsy! The foundation folks that I have worked with over the years seemed to like it best when I took the time to understand their organization and their giving interests before I submitted a proposal. It gets the relationship off to a great start!

+0

Communicating with funders
written by Gayle L. Gifford, December 10, 2010

Another way to communicate with grantmakers is to get to know them when you aren't looking for a grant. Your participation and leadership in collaborations, community planning councils, conferences or other opportunities can help you build stronger relationships with funders and your colleagues.

+0

Volunteer Donor and Grant Researcher
written by Joan Colglazier, December 09, 2010

Betsy, thanks for your posting. Sorting out relevant grant donors involves research and phone calls, which I do as a volunteer. Your points are right on. Just like in a job search, you have to build rapport.

+0

Grant Success
written by Roger Carr, December 09, 2010

Betsy, these are some great tips for nonprofits to follow. Not only will they have a better chance of getting funds they apply for, but they will also not waste so much time applying for grants they won't receive because there isn't a good fit.

+0

Communicating with funders
written by Pamela Grow, December 08, 2010

Great post Betsy! It is amazing how differently organizations think about their foundation grant funders, generally communicating only via their proposals or grant reports. Rather than sending foundations the organization's regular newsletter, though, I prefer to put together a personalized letter updating the foundation and sent two to three times a year.

Here's a terrific video directly from a funder on communication that your readers will enjoy: http://www.501videos.com/cmd.php?Clk=3912093