3 Steps for Meeting a New Funder
If you get my newsletter, you saw my tip about finding new funding by checking out similar organizations’ 990s for their grantors.
You may have spent some time this summer researching databases and websites for new funding sources for the fall grant cycles. Have you learned of a new grant opportunity but aren’t sure how to approach the funder? Here are three tips to build that all-important relationship:
Start with an email to Create Awareness and Become Educated - Explain what your organization does, its mission and its alignment with the funder’s mission.
“We are (name of your organization) and we are aiming to (state the problem/need you are solving).”
“We believe that we are eligible for your funding opportunity. Do you agree?”
“We think the best time to apply would be (season/grant cycle) for our program to begin (timeframe). Does this timing put us in a good competitive position?”
Follow up with a call to Ask for Success
“What could we do to best position ourselves for success with your funding opportunity?”
“What makes successful applicants stand apart from the rest?”
Send a Thank You Email to reinforce your position
State why you want to work with the funder. Emphasize the shared missions that will make an impact on the problem mentioned in your introduction.
Even the most polished grant proposal can’t compete with a solid, well-nurtured relationship.
