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.