Funders and donors are sometimes wealthy individuals, often they're big organisations or Trusts. Something useful I learnt a while ago was that we should treat them all similarly in regards to the relationship we have with them.
Often, we are dealing with an individual at a Trust or Foundation- the Grants Administrator, a Trustee, a Manager etc. These individuals will have feelings and emotions, and will make judgements about our charity based on their experience with you- the fundraiser, the individual.
We should endeavour to make the funding relationship a two-way relationship. Better still, aim to make it a partnership. Give the funder the feeling that they are working with you in partnership to help your beneficiaries, users or community.
Make them feel valued and respected- ask their opinion on an aspect of the project they are funding if appropriate...don't only contact them when you need further funding! An end of year report, or quarterly monitoring sheets, doesn't cut it either. We wouldn't only contact our wife/husband/partner etc. on their birthday or anniversary would we?
Funders should be contacted at every relevant opportunity- any project updates, press releases, emails or letters from project users etc. should be shared. People who have parted with their money love to hear how it's been spent, and more importantly the amazing difference it's made.
Rachid Choaibi, Bsc MinstF Cert
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