In the world of fundraising, it’s tempting to think of applications and proposals as purely transactional. But the truth is, relationships matter just as much as numbers. When you’re building partnerships with donors, remember: real, lasting support is rooted in trust and mutual understanding.

Donors aren’t faceless funding machines. Behind every grant, there’s a real person who cares about making a difference. They want to know who you are, what drives your mission, and why they should believe in your cause.

Start by doing your homework. Ask yourself: What does the donor gain by funding you? How do their values align with your organisation’s? Do they prefer in-kind donations or multi-year commitments? Understanding their priorities helps you tailor your approach and show how your work directly speaks to their mission.

Equally important is letting them get to know you. Don’t just introduce your projects — introduce your people, your community impact, and your passion. Attend networking events, conferences, or even informal meetups. A warm introduction or friendly chat can go a long way in making your application stand out from the stack.

Finally, don’t wait until you’re ready to hit “submit” to start connecting. Proactively reach out and share your story. Building genuine relationships over time sets the stage for more meaningful collaborations and turns your proposal from a faceless piece of paper into a true partnership.

19 June 2025

It’s easy to think of donors as large institutions, with rigid guidelines and layers of bureaucracy. But at the end of the day, donors are real people who care about creating impact. They’re just like you: driven by passion, motivated by purpose, and eager to see real change.

When preparing your proposals, remember that the person reading your application isn’t just ticking boxes. They’re looking for projects and partners who inspire them — initiatives that align with their own hopes and beliefs. They want to see the heart behind the work.

So, before you send that final proposal, take a moment to consider who’s on the other end. Can you connect with them directly, perhaps through a phone call, an email, or even a brief meeting at an event? Can you show them your story, your team’s commitment, and the human impact of your work?

Don’t underestimate the power of a personal connection.

Knowing the decision-makers, understanding their backgrounds and motivations, and engaging with them authentically can turn a standard application into a conversation. It transforms your project from an abstract idea to a relatable, human story that resonates deeply.

This approach takes effort, but it’s worth it. Because when you build relationships with the real people behind donor organisations, you’re not just chasing funds — you’re building partnerships grounded in shared vision and lasting impact.

And that’s how you move from faceless paper to funding that changes lives.