Grant Writing Community of Practice, December 10, 2026

How to Build Relationships with Funders

Funding is built on relationships, credibility, and trust. In this session, participants will learn practical strategies for building meaningful relationships with foundations, funders, donors, and community partners before and after submitting a grant application.

Participants will explore communication strategies, visibility building, follow-up systems, and ways to strengthen organizational credibility over time. The session will also cover relationship-building through LinkedIn, updates, stewardship, and community engagement.

Topics include:

• relationship-based fundraising

• foundation communication

• donor stewardship

• LinkedIn strategy

• follow-up systems

• organizational visibility

• credibility building

Participants will leave with a Funder Outreach Plan that includes relationship-building strategies, communication goals, and next steps for strengthening connections with funders and partners.