❇️ How will you organise the various proposals and approaches you want to make?
It is a good idea to develop a funding spreadsheet which details all the funders, their deadlines, what you are intending to ask them for, how much and when you would expect the funding. See the ‘Prospects and Applications Plan Template’ PDF document below to help you do this.
❇️ How will you create the best first impression that you can?
Now that you have done all the hard work of researching possible funders, you want to make sure you have a constructive first contact with them, to give you the best chance of fundraising success. Make sure you have a strong understanding of how they align with the aims and objectives of your association, or the specific project for which you are seeking support. This will ensure that you do not waste an opportunity if you are asked for specifics.
The way you first make contact with the prospect will vary depending on the specific donor. General guidelines are:
⭕ Make sure you follow their guidance on how to contact (if they have guidance). For example, some trusts prefer you contact them before you apply, whereas others specify that they want no telephone contact ahead of applications.
⭕ If you are specifically responding to a call for proposals, your first contact may be to submit clarification questions on an opportunity or to attend a meeting where you will have the opportunity to ask questions. In all of these interactions, treat it as professionally as you would your final application, follow their guidance, be respectful and make sure you have read all materials first.
⭕ For certain types of funders it is likely you will need to build up a relationship or non-financial partnership before applying (e.g. local community or faith groups, local embassies, INGOs). This means the first contact could be one of the following:
- Invite to events – particularly pertinent for local community groups and local embassies.
- Set up a call or meeting to chat about your association – think very carefully about who should have this call/meeting. If you are speaking to someone senior it should be someone senior from within your association who meets them.
- Send them information on your work. (Only do this if asked. A lot of funders do not want lots of extra paperwork/emails to read if they don’t need them.)
- Approaching them to offer your help – e.g. could the members help an INGO deliver a specific project that involves distribution? This could help to establish a partnership that then leads to funding opportunities.
👇🏻 Download the resource here!
