There are multiple strategies that you can use to develop and cultivate a relationship with donor agencies. The number one strategy is communication – communicating the good work that your organization is doing and the good work that you want to do with additional funding and resources. NGOs that effectively develop relationships with donor agencies have a communication plan that provides information about your organization’s programs and projects in a variety of ways.
An effective communication plan includes a timeline or calendar of activities such as events where you will meet donor agency staff; a list of media outlets (e.g., TV stations, radio stations, newspapers, websites, blogs, etc.) where you can send press releases, articles, and post information; a social media strategy for your organization’s website, blog, Twitter feed, targeted email messages, etc.; as well as ways to recognize a donor’s contribution to your cause. Each piece of information that you share with the world should be well thought out, conveying the most important work of your organization.
Conversing in person is considered the most effective way to develop a relationship with anyone. In terms of donor agency staff and Board members, you and your organization can:
- Host a learning event. This can be as easy as inviting donor agency staff and Board members to your headquarters or a location where you are doing a project or program to share with them the impact you are making.
- Attend events where you will be able to interact with potential donors.
- Reach out to potential donors via phone, chat with them over lunch, and/or send them an occasional note to update them on your organization’s most recent accomplishments.
In the long run, it is the personal connections that you make that translate into funding to support the goals you are working to achieve.