The Role of Relationship Building in Winning Proposals
How to Win Hearts (and Funds)
Happy Wednesday!
In today’s Newsletter, you’ll learn how to build relationships with funders before and after submission.
Winning proposals aren’t just about perfectly structured documents and compelling narratives; they’re about people.
The reality is, behind every grant, every funding opportunity, and every RFP is a human being—or a team—looking for a connection that feels trustworthy, aligned, and authentic.
The magic formula to winning proposals often lies in relationship building, both before and after submission.
Let’s explore how you can master the art of relationship building with funders to boost your success rate.
Spoiler: It’s not about schmoozing; it’s about being genuine, strategic, and consistent.
#1: “It’s not the proposal they fund—it’s the people they trust.”
Why Relationships Matter in Proposal Writing
Think about the last time you invested in something big. Did you just pick something out of the blue, or did you look for signs that the person or organization was credible, approachable, and worth your time and money? Funders are no different.
They want to:
Feel confident that their investment will be handled responsibly.
Understand your vision beyond words on paper.
Build a connection that goes beyond one-time funding.
A solid relationship can help bridge the gap between their concerns and your project’s value.
Building Relationships Before Submission
Here’s where the magic begins—long before you hit “submit” on your proposal. Building trust and credibility early not only makes your submission stand out but also creates a foundation for future collaborations.
Here’s how:
1. Do Your Homework
Tip: Research your potential funder like you’re studying for the finals.
Look into their mission, priorities, and funding history.
Identify past projects they’ve supported and consider how your work aligns.
Study their application guidelines like a roadmap.
Pro Insight: Send a friendly, exploratory email to clarify points about their guidelines. For example:
“Hi [Name], I’ve been exploring your organization’s wonderful work in [specific area], and I noticed that [specific point in guidelines]. Could you clarify if [your question]? I’d love to ensure our goals align before submitting a proposal.”
This shows initiative and sets the stage for open communication.
2. Introduce Yourself (Without Asking for Money Yet)
Before you even think about applying, introduce your organization. This could be a short, casual email, a connection at a networking event, or even engaging with their social media posts.
Sample Email:
Subject: Inspired by [Their Initiative/Project]
Hi [Name],
I’m [Your Name], the [Your Role] at [Organization]. I came across your work on [specific project/initiative], and it really resonated with our efforts in [specific area]. I’d love to learn more about how you approach [topic] and explore ways our missions could align in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
3. Attend Their Events
Many funders host webinars, Q&A sessions, or public events. Show up! Engage thoughtfully by asking relevant questions or commenting on shared interests. It’s a simple way to make yourself familiar to them.
4. Build a Connection, Not Just a Transaction
Avoid jumping straight into “fund my project!” mode. Instead:
Share insights or resources that might interest them.
Highlight mutual values.
Show genuine interest in their goals and mission.
#2: “Proposals open the door, but relationships keep it open.”
Tips for Relationship Building After Submission
The work doesn’t stop once you’ve submitted your proposal.
In fact, this is where relationship building becomes even more important.
Your goal is to nurture the connection, whether you win or lose the funding.
1. Send a Thoughtful Follow-Up
After submitting, a well-timed, professional follow-up can keep you on their radar.
Acknowledge receipt of their confirmation email.
Express gratitude for the opportunity to apply.
Avoid pressuring for an answer too early.
Example Email:
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity
Hi [Name],
I wanted to extend my gratitude for the opportunity to submit our proposal for [Project Name]. We’re thrilled at the possibility of partnering with [Funder Name] to make a meaningful impact in [specific area]. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information during your review process.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2. Show Appreciation Regardless of Outcome
Whether you win or lose the grant, acknowledge their time and feedback.
If you’re funded: Send a personalized thank-you note and reiterate your excitement.
If you’re not funded: Thank them anyway and ask for feedback to improve future submissions.
Key Tip: Funders appreciate applicants who handle rejection professionally. It sets you apart for future opportunities.
3. Keep Them in the Loop
After securing funding, stay connected by:
Sending progress updates on how their support is making an impact.
Sharing success stories or testimonials from beneficiaries.
Inviting them to events or project milestones.
Example Update Email:
Subject: Exciting Progress on [Project Name]!
Hi [Name],
I wanted to share a quick update on [Project Name]. Thanks to [Funder Name]’s support, we’ve already [specific milestone or achievement]. Enclosed are some photos/testimonials that highlight the impact you’ve helped create. We’re so grateful for your partnership and look forward to sharing more updates soon!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
4. Keep Engaging Between Proposals
Don’t let the relationship fizzle after one project. Continue engaging by:
Sending them your newsletter.
Sharing relevant resources or articles.
Dropping a quick note about their latest funding initiative or press release.
The Secret Sauce: Authenticity and Consistency
Relationships thrive when they’re authentic and consistent. Here’s how you can embody these qualities:
Be genuine in your communications. Avoid overloading them with generic updates.
Be patient. Relationships take time to grow. Rushing can seem insincere.
Be consistent. Don’t disappear after one email or project; build a steady rhythm of communication.
#3: “Behind every winning proposal is a funder who believes in you.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Relationship Building
Only reaching out during grant season. Be present year-round.
Neglecting personal touches. Generic emails or cookie-cutter updates can erode trust.
Overloading with information. Funders are busy—keep your updates concise and impactful.
Conclusion:
Relationships First, Proposals Second
Building relationships with funders isn’t just a strategy; it’s a commitment to collaboration. When funders feel connected to your mission and your team, your proposal becomes more than just a document—it becomes a promise of partnership.
So, start reaching out, nurturing connections, and showing funders that you’re more than just another applicant—you’re someone they can trust for the long haul.
Call to Action:
Ready to elevate your grant writing and relationship-building game? Subscribe to our “Grant Writing Academy Newsletter” newsletter for actionable tips, strategies, and real-life examples to help you secure more funding with confidence.
Let’s build winning proposals—together!
Additional Resources and Support
a. Expand Your Knowledge
The grant writing field is always evolving. Keep learning and improving your skills to stay competitive.
Recommended Resources:
Request for Proposal Success: How to Write Proposals That Win: Learn the techniques and strategies to create standout proposals.
Tech Startup Funding Secrets: Navigating Grants for Maximum Growth: Perfect for those in the tech sector looking to leverage grants for scaling.
Grant Proposal Guide for Environmental Projects: Tailored for environmental initiatives seeking to secure impactful funding.
The Ultimate Guide to Federal Grant Applications: Techniques for Success: Master the complexities of federal grants with actionable insights.
👉 Explore More Books Here
b) Invest in Expert Guidance
Want to fast-track your growth and achieve even more success?
Join one of our mentorship programs for tailored advice and support:
Mentorship Programs:
3-Month Mentorship: The Foundation Builder: A short-term plan to refine your grant writing skills and win your first (or next) grant.
6-Month Mentorship: The Proposal Pro: Dive deeper into strategies, proposal reviews, and funding plans.
1-Year Mentorship: The Funding Champion: Build long-term success with comprehensive guidance, unlimited reviews, and exclusive resources.
c. Book a One-on-One Consultation
Sometimes you just need personalized advice to tackle challenges or fine-tune your strategy. Let’s work together to solve your unique grant writing challenges.