It’s all about relationships…

When I got there, someone else was dropping off a proposal. He started chatting with me and it turned out that he was a member of a local family foundation. He was turning in a proposal for another organization which he volunteers with. We ended up talking about our programs and found that we had several causes in common. I got his contact information and agreed to follow up with him. His sister was there also so I was able to chat with her as well. Perhaps it will turn into a collaborative relationship!

I also found out that a grant proposal that I had submitted to his foundation may not have even gotten into his hands because it probably wasn’t presented to the board for their consideration. Now I might have another chance to submit again, which is a golden opportunity. I would’ve never found this out otherwise.

The lessons that I learned from this serendipitous encounter?

1. Always take the chance to engage with people you meet in chance encounters, because you never know who they might turn out to be!

2. Always try to make personal connections with potential funders if you possibly can. You might not have the opportunity to run into them in person as I did, but at least pick up the phone if you have a phone number or send an email. Any personal contact that you can make before submitting a proposal can help to start a relationship and pave the way for a successful grant proposal.

3. Don’t just sit in your office typing out grant proposals! Get out there and try to network with funders in your area. You won’t meet them if you are always in your office!