Grant Writing Starts with a Phone Call

Funders don’t know what you don’t tell them.

You own your story and grantors want to hear it. It is not uncommon for foundations to pivot alongside nonprofit organizations as funding priorities are shifted to address the current needs in our country; showing a growing responsibility to social injustice and racial inequality for one. It’s important for your organization to stay in touch with your foundation funders and be able to tell your story in a way that keeps their attention and ultimately their support.

You don’t need to have all the answers.  

Somehow foundation calls always got pushed to the bottom of my “to-do” list. It felt scary and intimidating to call up a grant officer. What was I so afraid of? 

I thought I had to be 100% prepared to answer every question they’d throw at me. I want to share a little secret with you: You don’t need to have all of the answers! Foundations don’t expect you to, especially in today's climate. Instead, they want to hear how you’re working to solve the problems and the questions that your mission-recipients have: Where will I get my next meal? How can I continue to pay rent? How do I access mental health services for my child? How will I educate my children? 

Be prepared to give an honest account of your clients’ needs and your ability (or inability) to respond with the resources you have. Saying “I don’t know” can actually build trust. Use the unknown as an opportunity to emphasize the efforts you’re making to find solutions, adapt, and respond to uncertainty.

Try following up with your current list of funders and ask a new question: Do you know of another foundation whose mission aligns with ours? Would you be willing to make an introduction? By utilizing the foundation network, your likelihood of being heard increases. If one foundation tells another “Let me tell you about a great organization that we fund, and you should hear their story,” they are likely to listen. 

You should also consider reaching out to your local community foundation. Community foundations are great connectors. They can send your information out to individuals with Donor Advised Funds housed under their umbrella, or advise you about current grants you may be eligible for. Don’t forget to make this call, even if you’ve never received funding before. 

It’s hard work. 

Grant writing is not for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of detail-oriented hard work and centers on relationship building. Before you invest your time in writing a grant—or delegating to staff—make sure you aren’t throwing darts at a wall. Pick up the phone, have the conversation, and make an informed decision about strategically proceeding with foundations in partnership.