How do you enhance your grantmaking and fundraising?

1 Define your goals and strategies

Before you start grantmaking or fundraising, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and how you plan to do it. This will help you focus your efforts, align your resources, and communicate your value proposition. You can use tools such as logic models, theories of change, or SMART objectives to define your goals and strategies. You should also consider your target audience, your geographic scope, your thematic areas, and your expected outcomes and impacts.

2 Build relationships and networks

Grantmaking and fundraising are not just about money, they are also about people. You need to build trust, rapport, and collaboration with your potential grantees and donors, as well as with other stakeholders in your field. You can do this by conducting research, outreach, and engagement activities, such as surveys, interviews, site visits, events, or newsletters. You should also leverage your existing contacts, referrals, and partnerships to expand your network and access new opportunities.

3 Measure and communicate your results

Grantmaking and fundraising require accountability and transparency, both to yourself and to others. You need to track and evaluate your progress and performance, using indicators, data, and feedback. You also need to communicate your results and impact, using stories, reports, and media. This will help you demonstrate your credibility, learn from your successes and failures, and improve your grantmaking and fundraising practices. You should also acknowledge and appreciate your grantees and donors, and celebrate your achievements together.

4 Apply for grants and donations

Grantmaking and fundraising are both competitive and collaborative processes. You need to identify and pursue the most suitable and relevant grants and donations for your goals and strategies. You can use databases, directories, or platforms to find and apply for grants and donations. You should also follow the guidelines, criteria, and deadlines of each grantor or donor, and tailor your proposals, budgets, and pitches accordingly. You should also be prepared to negotiate, report, and comply with the terms and conditions of each grant or donation.

5 Manage your grants and donations

Grantmaking and fundraising involve managing your grants and donations effectively and efficiently. You need to have systems and processes in place to monitor and control your financial and non-financial resources, such as contracts, invoices, receipts, or deliverables. You should also have policies and procedures to prevent and address any risks or issues, such as fraud, conflicts of interest, or disputes. You should also seek to optimize your grants and donations, by diversifying your sources, reducing your costs, or increasing your returns.

6 Learn and improve

Grantmaking and fundraising are dynamic and evolving skills. You need to constantly learn and improve your grantmaking and fundraising practices, by staying updated on the trends, challenges, and opportunities in your field. You can do this by reading, researching, or attending trainings, webinars, or conferences. You should also seek feedback and advice from your peers, mentors, or experts, and incorporate their insights and recommendations into your grantmaking and fundraising plans and actions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?