Even though everyone agrees that open communication matters, grantmakers often say they rarely hear from grantseekers. Why? Because fundraisers worry about saying the wrong thing, tanking a grant opportunity, or getting an answer they don’t want to hear.
Take a deep breath—never fear! The Program team at the Community Foundation for the CRSA is here with some real-world, confidence-boosting advice on what you can (and should!) ask funders.
What should I do before I reach out?
Before you hit “send” or pick up the phone, do a little homework. Getting to know a funder ahead of time sets you up for a much better conversation.
Here’s your pre-outreach checklist:
- Visit their website (if they have one).
- Read their social media posts, blogs, and news releases.
- Review their grant guidelines and jot down any questions.
- Check out their profile on Candid search—sometimes this is the only place you’ll find a clear picture of their grantmaking priorities, past grantees, and even the right program officer to contact.
- Bonus move: reach out to a past grant recipient and ask:
- Who’s the best person to talk to?
- What was your experience like?
- Any tips you’d share?
You’ll be surprised how willing other nonprofits are to help.
How do I start a dialogue with a funder?
Informational conversations are your friend. These are low-pressure, high-value chats that help you learn what isn’t spelled out in an RFP or online.
Start with a simple call or email to introduce yourself and ask who the best person would be to speak with.
If you mention a connection to the foundation, be thoughtful about tone. Saying, “Our board president knows ___ and thought there might be a strong alignment,” is perfectly fine.
Saying—or implying—that you expect special treatment? Not so much. Aim for respectful, not entitled.
What kinds of questions can I ask funders?
Once you’re talking to the right person, great questions include:
- Do you accept new applicants?
- What are your funding cycles and deadlines?
- What are your current priorities and focus areas?
- What’s your typical grant size and duration?
- What makes a proposal really stand out?
And yes—call or email for clarification during the application process! Asking questions like:
- “What does this question mean?”
- “What attachments are acceptable?”
- “When should we expect to hear back?”
These are excellent questions and much better answered directly by the funder. Building rapport early also makes these conversations feel much easier.
After decisions are made, you can still reach out. If your application is declined, thank them for their consideration—and ask why. You can also ask about future opportunities or other funders they recommend. Keeping the door open matters.
Are there questions I shouldn’t ask?
Yes. Avoid asking anything that’s clearly spelled out on their website, RFP, or application. Doing so can signal that you haven’t done your homework.
Your questions should show that you’re prepared, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in alignment—not just funding.
Bottom line: keep your questions focused on learning, partnership, and impact.
How do I maintain a relationship with funders?
Stay in touch! Share updates on your work—the wins and the challenges.
Easy ways to do this:
- Send a quick email update.
- Tag funders in relevant social media posts.
- Invite them to events.
- Share articles, blog posts, podcasts, or resources connected to your shared mission.
Even if they don’t read everything, they’ll know you’re engaged, informed, and actively learning. These touchpoints—along with the occasional meeting or phone call—build trust over time. And once that trust is there, you can even offer honest feedback to funders.
Can I ask for additional support?
Often, yes! If a foundation has funded you for a while and the relationship is solid, it’s absolutely appropriate to ask whether they’d consider increasing their support.
Frame the conversation around:
- The impact you’ve made
- What you need to keep that impact going
- Why the additional support matters now
Funders who value your work want to see you succeed. And if the answer is no? It’s not always a forever no. The conversation itself still strengthens the partnership.
What if I have an urgent need?
If something unexpected comes up, reach out to current funders right away. They don’t want to learn later that you were struggling in silence or had to scale back programs without telling them.
A timely, transparent conversation can prevent bigger problems—and program officers may also offer advice, connections, or new funding ideas.
Remember: funders aren’t just check-writers. Invite them into the problem-solving process as partners. Stay transparent, stay connected, and keep telling your story. That’s how strong, lasting partnerships grow.
We hope this helps you look ahead to 2026 with confidence—ready to start conversations, ask good questions, and build sustainable, meaningful relationships with funders. You’ve got this!
Lasima Turmon 1/27/2026