You’re a community organizer. How can you manage your communication with funders more effectively?

1 Know your funders

Before you approach any potential or existing funder, do some research on their background, goals, values, and preferences. What are their main areas of interest and impact? What are their criteria and requirements for funding? How do they like to receive information and feedback? Knowing your funders will help you tailor your communication to their needs and expectations, and show them that you respect and appreciate their support.

2 Build trust and rapport

Communication with funders is not just about reporting on your outcomes and achievements. It is also about building trust and rapport, which can lead to long-term and mutually beneficial relationships. To build trust and rapport, you need to communicate regularly, honestly, and respectfully. You need to show that you are accountable, transparent, and responsive. You also need to express gratitude, recognition, and empathy. And you need to listen to their feedback, concerns, and suggestions, and address them accordingly.

3 Align your goals and values

Another key aspect of effective communication with funders is to align your goals and values with theirs. This means that you need to demonstrate how your work contributes to their mission and vision, and how it aligns with their values and principles. You also need to show how your work is relevant, impactful, and innovative, and how it responds to the current needs and challenges of your community. By aligning your goals and values, you can create a shared sense of purpose and direction, and increase your chances of securing and sustaining funding.

5 Adapt your communication style

Finally, you need to adapt your communication style to suit different funders and situations. Depending on the type and stage of your relationship with your funder, you may need to use different modes, channels, and formats of communication. For example, you may need to use formal proposals, reports, and presentations for new or prospective funders, and informal emails, calls, and meetings for established or long-term funders. You may also need to use different tones, languages, and levels of detail, depending on the funder's preferences and expectations. By adapting your communication style, you can ensure that your communication is clear, concise, and appropriate.

6 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?