The first step in approaching organisations is to identify your options and research them. Once you have made a list of possible funders and researched them, how do you go about making contact? A constructive introduction or first conversation is important, as this will create a good first impression and increase your chances of
fundraising success.
Make sure you have a strong understanding of how they align with the aims and objectives of your organisation (or WAGGGS more broadly) 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 dependent 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 would prefer you contact them before you apply, 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 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.
- 🟨 Approaching them to offer your help e.g. could the members help an INGO deliver a specific project that involves distribution? This will help to establish a partnership that then leads to funding opportunities.
- 🟩Send some brief information about your work, if no other opportunity is available. Include a short cover letter explaining why you think they may be interested and expressing your interest in working with them. Include your contact details so they can follow up if they are interested.
Make sure you also keep a record of who you have contacted and how – this is important for managing future relationships! It is easy to forget who you have
approached and then make the same approach a year later, which does not create the best impression!