Foundation fundraising is a marathon not a sprint. It takes time takes time and diligent follow through to build a foundation’s trust and confidence in your organization’s mission and programs. But foundations can be loyal donors and well worth the long term investment of your time and energy.
Here are some tips to increase your chances of building support for your mission from private foundations.
- Research who is behind the money. While foundations have a program staff responsible for certain policy areas, family foundation boards are often made up of a few family members. Learn their background and interests so you can cultivate them like you would a major donor.
- Tap into your connectors. See if one of your board members can help you connect with foundation trustee or program officer. Study the foundation’s other grantees to see if you have colleagues that might offer advice on the best approach
- Highlight your distinction. Make sure to answer these questions: What singular solutions does your group offer? Why is it important now for this foundation to fund your unique program?
- Avoid the temptation to ‘spray and pray.’ Make sure that you get traction with each foundation before you send any proposal. It’s a waste of time to mail out a bunch of letters and expect a favorable response.
- Accept that this work takes grit! You will likely reach out multiple times to connect with a foundation point person. Sometimes your idea will be rejected. Assuming your work aligns with the foundation’s interests, ask if you can continue to reach out with other proposals and program updates. Then be sure to follow up.
As you do your work enlisting foundation support for your organization, check out this piece about clarifying your message to potential funders. Onward!
