Receiving a grant is not the end of the fundraising journey—it’s the beginning of a new relationship.
Many organisations make the mistake of only contacting funders when reports are due. Great stewardship means staying connected throughout the life of the project.
Start with a sincere thank-you. A personal email, phone call or handwritten note can make a lasting impression. Let the funder know how their support will make a difference.
Keep them informed with short, meaningful updates. You don’t need to wait for formal reporting deadlines. Share milestones, success stories, photographs (with permission), or exciting developments as they happen.
Be honest about challenges too. Projects rarely go exactly as planned. Funders appreciate organisations that communicate openly and explain how they are responding to obstacles.
Most importantly, recognise that funders are people. They want to know that their investment is creating positive change.
Excellent stewardship builds confidence, strengthens trust, and lays the foundation for future support.
EM Solutions has a team that is standing by to help you shape your stewardship approach. Give us a call today to set up a coaching or strat session to evaluate your current relationships and how to take them to the next level.