During my layover at the airport, I logged into GrantStation (if you want a $139/ year subscription, email me) and headed to their Pathfinder Library to check out the last grant management news. I read a few articles, and one stood out.
I made a mental note to share my thoughts with you once I returned home.
Building relationships with grantmakers has been one of the most challenging parts of being a contract grant writer. I am physically located in Atlanta, and my clients are in North Georgia, New York City, Florida, and Illinois.
And yet, building relationships is the best way to secure recurring grants that increase in dollar amount year after year.
Is it possible to build solid relationships with funders remotely?
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It is possible, but it takes a bit of finesse. Here are a few tips:
- Connect with both the foundation and grants administrator on LinkedIn. Like and share their posts and reach out to congratulate any milestones.
- Follow their lead with communication type. Whether they prefer a call, text, or email, communicate as they request. One of my grant funders LOVES Zoom calls. I hate them. But, I always show up with my camera turned on- because that’s how they connect best.
- Bring value to every communication. Provide an exciting update about your program, connect a current event with your mission, or share a quick story. Keep them interested between grant cycles.
- Don’t ask questions that can be answered by their website or RFP. Only reach out with a question if you are sure that they haven’t published the answer.
- Partner with your grant funders every chance you get. If they are hosting a community fair, coordinate for someone from your organization to be there.
- Invite them to events or for a tour. One of my clients provides therapeutic boat trips, and a few grant funders have accepted our invitation to join one of the boat trips. Seeing is believing.
Until next time,
Write Epic Grants