Guest Post by: Jane B. Ford, The Joy Path and Speaker at the February 10th Non-profit Toolbox Mini-Conference, and author of Get Grants Now
Jane Ford - The Joy Path
Preparing For the Call
You have done your research and know that the XYZ Foundation gives grants to nonprofits in your area for programs like the one you want to implement. You have also learned that the guidelines state clearly that the first approach should be a phone call. Read the questions and answers below before making that call.
- Does anyone in your organization have a contact at that foundation? If so, that person may give you an introduction that will make your initial contact easier.
- What are the two goals of this initial call? The short term goal is to determine if it makes sense for you to submit an application. The longer term goal is to lay the groundwork for an ongoing relationship with this funder.
- What are your specific objectives in making the call?
- You want to give an explicit message to the funder about what your nonprofit does and how you see it matches the funder’s goals.
- You want to give an implicit message to the funder that you are a credible, professional person with whom they want to work.
- You want to get information about the funder’s current program priorities, funds available, and current application deadlines.
Taking a few minutes to understand this information before you pick up the phone will put you in a better position to have a meaningful call with a potential funder.
Want to learn more about Grant Writing? Join us at our next non-profit mini-conference.
