Network

According to interviewees, networking is crucial for successfully seeking grants.

Why?

• Many funders do not take unsolicited applications. This means that you will never hear about them or receive funding from them unless you are active in the community and doing exceptional, noteworthy work.
• Be referred. Many grantmakers rely on referrals from current and past grantees to find new organizations to grant to. Other funders require that grant applicants submit letters of recommendations as part the application. By networking with other oranizations doing similarly important work, you build relationships with possible future references.
• Learn about potential funders. Your colleagues, working for similar organizations, are also in the market for funding from grantmakers. Use networking as an opportunity to exchange ideas and suggestions about funding opportunities.

How?

Interviewees gave four tips to help you successfully network:
• Collaborate. Grantmakers like to see organizations partnering to achieve similar goals in their communities, country, or region.
• Share resources. Share resources with organizations doing similar work in your area. Resource sharing can include exchanging ideas, sharing tools, volunteers, and even finances. Many funders like to invest in organizations that work together in this way.
• Join a non-profit association.  A non-profit association is a group of organizations working together for the purpose of sharing ideas, knowledge, and resources. These associations provide a great place to learn more about your sector and the way that other organizations are succeeding. Grantmakers like to see their grantees are participating in such associations. Find one in your area. If there is not a non-profit association in your area, create one!
• Join online networking sites. Is your organization on Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube? If not, it should be. Interviewees say that funders use these social networking sites to learn more about their grantees. Check out tips online about how to use Facebook and Twitter to spread the word about your organization.  

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