This “Ask Dalya” series covers 17 of your grantwriting questions. Get lots more Q & A, individual feedback, materials, etc. in the Grantwriter’s FastTrack Coaching Program.
Q: Ten years ago developing and maintaining relationships with foundations was important. Now, I am finding that foundations don’t want to talk to you. What’s your take on this?
A: As you know, relationships are key to fundraising. Actually, I mean relationships based on trust and open communication. That said, you are right: As more and more foundations use online applications, you may find fewer opportunities to get to know a foundation program officer. But just because they are using more efficient technology does not mean that they don’t want to talk to you.
If, in your research, you find a published phone number or email address consider that an invitation to contact the funder with your questions. As you peruse their guidelines and application form, you may need more information or clarification. You may wonder if your program is a true match with their funding priorities. That’s exactly the time to contact them!
Just know that they are time-pressed. Expect only a few moments of their time. You will need to be prepared to provide information about your organization that is of most interest to them. Study their material so you are ready to address their exact needs using their language. Most program officers are actually friendly people and want to help (hey, that’s why they’re there!). They also want to save themselves from wading through oceans of inappropriate applications.
Once you initiate a relationship with a foundation representative, strive to maintain it. Keep in touch and offer information that will be of use to them. Ask if they would like to receive your newsletter of if they would like you to keep them posted on big developments that may bring your organization closer to their world.
For example, I was doing some funder research for a client and found one that had unclear guidelines. So I called, spoke with a very friendly representative, and emailed in some information. They called back, spoke with my client, and discussed how the match is not quite right at this moment but may become so in the near future. They will keep in touch, maybe even meet at the project site, and go from there.
Another client of mine had an existing relationship with a funder but wasn’t sure about funding for a new, more comprehensive project. We called to clarify, were invited to submit an application, and won the grant.
As you can see, relationships and persistence are crucial.
However, if you can’t find any contact information for the funder, they probably do not have the staff to field your questions. Respect that. Apply through the prescribed process.
Check out these other resources for information on this topic.
Q: Can we join any online groups of foundation officials?
A: Foundations generally do not have online groups that are open to the public. You can imagine that such lists would be inundated with grantseekers! However, you will find many great online groups for nonprofit professionals or readers of philanthropy journals (e.g., on LinkedIn) that include many foundation representatives among the members. Funders also do a lot of community outreach and will often speak at live “Meet the Grantmakers” sessions at conferences or at local technical assistance centers. There, you can meet them and start relationships. The Foundation Center has a great archive of recorded sessions HERE.
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Got a question related to grantwriting? I am running a special series of “Ask Dalya” posts on this topic throughout January. Feel free to ask about any related topic that stumps you or something about which you’d like to hear my thoughts. Learn more HERE.
PS: You will have the opportunity to ask many more questions in the Grantwriter’s FastTrack Coaching Program, Feb. 11- March 13. (Early Bird Discount good through 1/30!)
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