Think Like a Funder

Establishing Relationships with Grantmakers

Remember: Its a grantmakers job to give out money its

your job to make them want to give it to your organization

1. Do your research and obtain basic information.

Before making personal contact, learn the grantmakers history what kinds of organizations does it tend to give to, and for what? This will not only help you tailor your approach, but it will show them that you care about more than money. The goal is to have a dialogue with them.

2. Make contact and introduce your organization to the grantmaker.

Do you have a minute? or Is this a good time for you?

Let them know that youve done preliminary research and that youre trying to go further

Show them that you realize that a match is important you dont want to waste their time

3. Show them that you understand and respect their application process.

Get the information you need to stand the best chance of success:

Does your organizations needs fit the grantmakers priorities?

Tell them the amount and likely use of request

Timeline whens the best time to submit?

Any updates in terms of their process?

4. Cultivate a relationship.

Show them that youre sincere about a partnership

Put the grantmaker at ease by sharing information about your organization without a solicitation on the table

Invite them to visit

Determine what the grantmakers needs are. How can you help them?

Follow through based on the instructions you receive

5. Maintain the relationship.

Say thank you (even if youre turned down) and acknowledge their grant

Report as required (at a minimum)

Invite them to see or learn about the positive effects of their grant beyond the required reporting grantmakers like to know that theyre making a real difference

Prepared by Nonprofit Works (518) 581-8841 www.nonprofitworks.com