https://bloomerang.co/resources/webinars/ Diane H. Leonard, GPC will give you new ideas on how to enhance grantmaker relationships in a way that aligns with your organization’s capacity and voice.

1. 10 Ways to Improve
Relationships with
Your Grantmaker
Presenter: Diane H. Leonard, GPC

2. Introductions
Diane H. Leonard, GPC
• Grant Professional Certified (GPC)
• Owner, DH Leonard Consulting & Grant
Writing Services, LLC
• Approved Trainer, Grant Professionals
Association
• Began career as a grantmaker
• Over $62 million awarded for clients
• Runner and coffee drinker

3. What We Will Cover
I. Enhancing Relationships Via Shared
Networks
II. Being Creative in Expressing Gratitude
III. Serving as the Grantmaker’s Primary Source
for Information
IV.Maintaining Seamless Communication
V. Questions and Answers

4. Proactive Grant SeekingEnhancing Relationships Via Shared Networks

5. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 1: Use a Grantmaker Relationship Questionnaire
Who do you, your
colleagues or your
Board of Directors
know from *their*
Board of
Directors?

6. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 1: Use a Grantmaker Relationship Questionnaire

7. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 1: Use a Grantmaker Relationship Questionnaire
Determine who could be a “Board Buddy” for a grantmaker
Help the board members think of ways to express their gratitude
to their connection for their support – not implying or asking
that they necessary pulled strings or went out of their way.

8. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 2: Prepare Board Members for Interaction
Events and Galas

9. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 2: Prepare Board Members for Interaction
What should you discuss at these events out in the community?
• Points of mutual interest about the event.
• Exciting impact story shared at event.
• Not specifics about your current grant that you expect them
to document when they go back to the office.
• Not specifics about your potential next request.

10. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 2: Prepare Board Members for Interaction
Goal:
Make an introduction to a
key staff member that can
follow-up and have a more
formal conversation.

11. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 3: Prepare Stakeholders for Community Interactions

12. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 3: Prepare Stakeholders for Community Interactions
What should you discuss at these events out in the community?
• Points of mutual interest about the meeting.
• Biggest lesson learned from a conference session.
• Exciting impact story of the collaborative.
• Not specifics about your current grant that you expect them
to document when they go back to the office.
• Not specifics about your potential next request.

13. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 2: Prepare Board Members for Interaction
Goal:
Request time to connect
in-person at another time
to discuss the potential
synergy in your work and a
priority project you think
they may be interested in.
Secondary goal: Scheduled
phone call.

14. Proactive Grant SeekingBeing Creative in Expressing Gratitude

15. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 4: Use Non Transactional Expressions of Gratitude
What personal ways can you say
thank you to the grantmaker
during the grant year?
• Handwritten note from CEO
• Thank you artwork from
participants
• Handwritten note from
scholarship recipients

16. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 4: Use Non Transactional Expressions of Gratitude
Site Visits and Open Houses

17. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 5: Say Thank You Even When Rejected

18. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 5: Say Thank You Even When Rejected

19. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 5: Say Thank You Even When Rejected
You will surprise the grantmaker with your professional
approach if you thank them for taking the time to review your
proposal, even though rejected if you:
• Send a reply to a rejection email
• Write a letter to those that sent a rejection letter
• Hand write a thank you note to a grantmaker if you have
previously worked with them regardless of how they sent
the rejection

20. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 6: Express Gratitude for Their Work Beyond Your Grant

21. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 6: Express Gratitude for Their Work Beyond Your Grant
Their stakeholders and your
stakeholders are an
overlapping group if you are
indeed a strong potential
match. Sharing their work
you are excited about
benefits both your
stakeholders AND theirs.

22. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 6: Express Gratitude for Their Work Beyond Your Grant
Be a good sport! It isn’t all about you. Celebrate other great work.

23. Proactive Grant SeekingServing as the Grantmakers Primary Source for Information

24. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 7: Share Updates Throughout the Process

25. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 7: Share Updates Throughout the Process
Easy Ways to Engage:
• Phone or email with a special
program/project update outside
of reporting timeframes
• Send a copy of a media piece
about funded work with a
handwritten note

26. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 7: Share Updates Throughout the Process
Other Ways to Engage:
• Ask for their input
• Ask for introductions to
collaborative colleagues

27. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 8: Use Social Media to Your Advantage

28. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 8: Use Social Media to Your Advantage

29. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 8: Use Social Media to Your Advantage

30. Proactive Grant SeekingMaintaining Seamless Communication

31. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 9: Learn Your Grantmakers Preferred Style/Method

32. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 9: Learn Your Grantmakers Preferred Style/Method

33. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 9: Learn Your Grantmakers Preferred Style/Method

34. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 9: Learn Your Grantmakers Preferred Style/Method

35. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 9: Learn Your Grantmakers Preferred Style/Method

36. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 9: Learn Your Grantmakers Preferred Style/Method

37. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 10: Ask Clarifying Questions

38. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 10: Ask Clarifying Questions
When a question arises related
to your application…
…pick up the phone ONCE with
thoughtful questions outlined in
advance in your talking points
(or send an email if their
preferred communication
method).

39. Proactive Grant SeekingTip 10: Ask Clarifying Questions
When a question arises
related to current funding…
…pick up the phone before
taking action or making a
decision
(or send an email if their
preferred communication
method).

40. Thank You Bloomerang!

41. Wrap Up & Next Steps
Twitter: @dianehleonard
@dhleonardgrants
Facebook: DH Leonard Consulting
Instagram: @dhleonardconsulting
LinkedIn: Diane H. Leonard, GPC
DH Leonard Consulting
YouTube: Don’t Let Grants Stress You Out
www.dhleonardconsulting.com

42. Wrap Up & Next Steps
Think of a question afterward?
Email Diane at
diane@dhleonardconsulting.com