Storytelling for Grantseekers: A Guide to Creative Nonprofit Fundraising

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE FUNDER SAYS YES

Let’s suppose that, to your great delight, you receive notification that your agency has received the grant. What do you do? Although it’s tempting to pop a champagne cork, the first thing to do is for someone from your nonprofit agency, preferably the executive director (or alternatively, the development director or grantwriter), to call the funder to say thanks. You can never offer too many thank-yous. And what better time to do so than when you’re holding a check in your hand? The enthusiasm and excitement you’re feeling are bound to transmit over the wire.

The next action to take is to follow up with a written acknowledgment letter. It is absolutely essential for nonprofit agencies to send a timely ...