4.4: Building a Relationship with a Grant-Funding Organization
Think about how you appeal to others to act on your behalf and how they react to your requests. How should you approach this relationship? Put yourself in the position of the person or committee that will review your application and think about what you would like to see from someone who makes a similar request for financial support.
You may begin creating a relationship with a grant funding organization by introducing your organization, initiative, or project to them and speaking at casual business meetings with the individuals who administer their grant program. You could also introduce your concept through a more formal letter of inquiry (LOI) or concept paper. An LOI may be required as a first step to accessing a foundation before you are allowed to submit a proposal. Many larger cities also have networking events for local nonprofit organizations, which can help put you in contact with potential donors.
This article presents a brief overview of what a letter of introduction to a grantmaker should include.
Read this article for a list of the necessary components of a letter of inquiry. It can be used as a template for an LOI.
This article gives five basic steps in establishing a relationship with grantmakers. It also offers advice on maintaining that relationship after the initial contact.
Maintain Contact with the Grant Funding Agency
Do not hesitate to contact the program administrators or officers who will review and administer your grant proposal. You can ask specific questions about the proposal submission or selection process or get feedback on what they think about your grant proposal.
For example, you might ask if they think your work is the type of project the funding agency would consider supporting. Email your questions to the program officer so they have time to respond, and you will have a record of the exchange to share with your colleagues.
Before you make contact, make sure the answers to your questions are not in the RFP guidelines or frequently asked questions (FAQ) section of the grant website. Begin by providing a clear, succinct summary of your proposal. Outline its main objectives, provide a list of outcomes, and describe how your project is unique and deserves consideration. You might ask what you could do to improve your chances of a favorable review. How many proposals were chosen compared to the number submitted in past grand rounds? What are some common reasons for rejection? Follow up with a thank you note to be polite and keep the lines of communication open.
Staff members at most grant-funding organizations want to ensure you are on the right track. They want to attract capable, interesting projects that will succeed to further their organization's goals. They can provide helpful advice to steer you in the right direction and help you present a winning proposal.