Technical Assistance
Working with Foundations

Get to know the foundation:

• Request and review publications (e.g., grantmaking guidelines, annual report, web site).




• Learn about program priorities, geographic focus, decision-making process, and funding levels.

Send your program people to meet with foundation representatives.


Invite funder's collaboration, participation & input.


Follow directions when submitting a proposal:

• Include foundation's forms when necessary.




• Include all the information requested.




• Respond to any specific requests and/or interests voiced by foundation staff.

Meet deadlines for proposals and reports.


Write clear and succinct proposals (words and writing matter):

• Get feedback from an outsider before you send a proposal.




• Include a clear and concise executive summary.

Be realistic, be honest, and don't oversell (funders and others talk with each other).


Follow up/through; do what you'll say you'll do in the proposal. If you can't, let the foundation know:

• Indicate staff changes.

Stay in touch -- communicate:

• Invite funders to conferences, meetings, trainings, and so on.




• Send newsletters, publications, and so on.




• Call with good news and bad news.

Be proactive when you are turned down by a Foundation:

• Maintain a relationship; send a gracious thank-you.




• Find out why you were turned down. Learn if you can try again (when and how).




• Ask if they know any other funders who might be interested, but don't pester.