Building impactful relationships is critical for securing funding, establishing relationships, and furthering an organization. Communicating the work that your organization does is key to building trust and fostering long standing relationships. Making the effort to build a stand out as a grantee allows for continuous improvement, expansion, and more opportunities for funding.
1) Engage With Aligned Funders
Funders are eager to give to organizations aligned with their values. Engaging with funders and leaving a lasting impression is key to not only securing funding but crucial for creating long impactful relationships. You should seek funders whose values and goals match the goals of your organization. Funders who have similar goals are more likely to support the work you do. Engaging in meaningful conversations and cultivating a relationship is how you can leave a great impression on a potential funder.
2) Tell Your Story
Telling your story and how your organization came to be is imperative to leaving your mark. Having a compelling narrative enables people to see the “why” behind the work you do. Humanize your cause by showing root causes and opportunities for success through the stories of the individuals you serve. Telling your story can be done on a variety of platforms. Having a strong digital presence and creating annual reports are a great way to do this in the digital age. Crafting your narrative and showing your impact and outcomes is helpful in distinguishing yourself as a leader in your area.
3) Communicate with Your Funders
As you secure funding and opportunities, it is important to communicate with your supporters. Being responsive to any requests for updates and reporting is crucial to leaving a good impression on the funders. Maintaining a true relationship and practicing transparency develops a shared level of trust between you and a funder. Addressing issues and concerns promptly is equally important as sharing highlights. Funders need transparency in order to feel confident with continuing to support your work. Also, be sure to thank any donors when they contribute to your organization. A bit of gratitude and appreciation goes a long way.
You have to be transparent in everything from your financials to your decision making. Educating funders encourages understanding about the challenges you face as you do the work. Being transparent builds trust and offers accountability. Transparency allows your funder to see the expenditure of funds and other opportunities for growth. Sharing updates (whether good or bad) to your organization makes the work you do tangible and shows funders exactly how you are leveraging your funds.
5) Keep a Track Record
Keeping a track record is another way to engage with funders and the outside world. Being able to provide funders with specific amounts and quantifiable outcomes allows you to show the impact Being able to quantify the work you do shows a dedication to continuous improvement and powerful outcomes. Keeping a record of all of your wins demonstrates that you have a long-term vision and can be an innovative partner.