I’ve been fortunate to work with a variety of client organizations, including philantrophy.
Navigating grantee-funder relationships while staying true to your mission is complex. It’s a landscape where aspirations to create meaningful change often intersect with the practicalities of securing funding.
However, amidst the pursuit of financial support, I’ve observed how nonprofits, in their eagerness to access resources, may place themselves in funding relationships that run counter to their organizational mission.
Ideally, grantees should be able to leverage a grantee-funder relationship while also feeling confident to push back against unreasonable demands and not lose sight of their mission. This delicate balancing act underscores the complexity and importance of navigating the grantee-funder relationship with confidence and integrity.
Here are five tips for maintaining your organizational mission while engaging building relationships with funders:
Know your mission inside and out
Before entering any grantee-funder relationship, ensure your staff has a deep understanding of your mission, vision, and programmatic priorities. This clarity serves as your compass as you explore funding options. When you’re solid in your mission, it’s easier to identify which funding opportunities and funder requests align with your objectives and which might veer off course.
Communicate openly and transparently
Foster an open line of communication with your funder from the outset. Clearly articulate your staff’s capabilities, limitations, and areas of expertise. Be honest about what you can and cannot deliver within the scope of the grant. Establishing this transparency early on sets the stage for a more collaborative and understanding relationship.
Participate in bi-directional learning
In return, your program officer should share context in which the funder operates, including the complexities in how funding is dispersed, whether they fund programs vs also provide opportunities for operational funding. Your program officer should provide insights on how the funder is equipped to respond to your needs.
Prioritize mutual respect
Cultivate a relationship with your funder that goes beyond transactional interactions. Invest time in building rapport and trust based on mutual respect and shared values. When you see each other as partners working towards a common goal, it becomes easier to navigate disagreements or negotiate terms that uphold your mission while also meeting the funder’s requests.
Set boundaries and expectations
Don’t hesitate to set clear boundaries and expectations regarding the terms of the grant. If a funder’s demands threaten to divert resources or attention away from your mission, respectfully push back and negotiate for terms that better align with your organization’s needs. Advocate for your staff’s best interests.
Key takeaway
While funding is crucial for sustaining nonprofit work, compromising your mission ultimately undermines the impact you want to achieve. By fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries, and cultivating mutual respect, you can ensure that your mission remains intact. Approach the grantee-funder relationship with confidence, advocating for your mission while forging partnerships that empower you to create lasting change.
Raise Your Voice: In the comments section below, share how your organization navigates your mission while meeting funder demands.
Was this useful? Subscribe to the Raise Your Voice newsletter, and explore my consulting services.
