Moves management is all about intentionally guiding funders through a structured relationship-building process, from identifying potential partners to securing long-term support. Here’s how grant professionals can apply this strategy effectively.
1. Identification: Finding the Right Funders
The first step in moves management is identifying funders who could be a good fit based on broad criteria like mission alignment, focus areas, and geographic reach. This is the initial grant research phase, during which you cast a wide net to find potential funding opportunities.
What to look for:
- Funders who have given to organizations similar to yours in focus, size, and geography.
- Funding priorities that align with your mission and programs.
- A history of giving grants in appropriate amounts for your needs.
- Whether they are open to new grantees or only fund organizations with which they already have relationships (aka: they are invite-only funders).
At this stage, you are gathering a list of funders that might be a good match, but you’re not evaluating yet whether you should apply—that’s where qualification comes in.
2. Qualification: Assessing Fit Before Applying
After identifying potential funders, the next step is qualifying them: narrowing your list to funders who are actually worth pursuing.
These questions can help you quickly assess fit:
- Do we meet their eligibility criteria? Review guidelines carefully to ensure your organization qualifies.
- Is their funding cycle and deadline a match for our timeline? Some funders only accept applications at certain times of the year.
- Do they prioritize multi-year funding or one-time grants? If you need ongoing support, funders that offer repeat funding are a better fit.
- Is their application process open or invite-only? If they don’t accept unsolicited proposals, you may need to build a relationship first.
- What is their level of engagement? Do they prefer close partnerships with grantees, or do they take a hands-off approach?
At this stage, eliminate funders who aren’t a strong fit and prioritize those with the best chance of success. A well-qualified funder list ensures your grant-seeking efforts are focused, strategic, and efficient.
3. Cultivation: Building Relationships Before Applying
Once you’ve qualified a funder as a strong match, the next step is to cultivate a relationship before applying.
Ways to cultivate relationships:
- Attend webinars, conferences, or funder-hosted events to learn about their priorities. For example, the Lancaster County Community Foundation hosts an info session for prospective applicants at the beginning of every grant cycle.
- Follow funders on LinkedIn or other platforms and engage with their content.
- Introduce your organization through emails, networking, or mutual connections.
- If possible, schedule a pre-application conversation to ask questions and show alignment.
Cultivation helps ensure your nonprofit isn’t just another application in a stack.
Rachel Grusin, Project Coordinator for the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, shares:
“Encourage multiple levels of relationships [with funders]. Don’t just limit your connections to the grant manager or primary contact at your organization—encourage your board members, executive staff, and program leads to build relationships with their counterparts in the funding organization.”
4. Solicitation: Submitting a Strong Proposal
By the time you submit a grant application, you should clearly understand what the funder is looking for and how your nonprofit aligns with their priorities.
Here are some best practices for submitting proposals:
- Tailor your proposal to speak directly to the funder’s mission and priorities. This CDBG grant proposal is a great example of an application that is tailored to meet the funder’s specific preferences.
- Use data and storytelling to illustrate your impact.
- Clearly outline how your project will address a need and align with their funding goals.
- Follow the funder’s application instructions carefully—many applications are rejected for simply formatting or eligibility errors.
A well-crafted, strategic proposal increases your chances of securing funding and sets the stage for future engagement.
5. Stewardship: Keeping Funders Engaged for the Long Term
Winning a grant isn’t the end of the relationship—it’s the beginning. Stewardship ensures that funders stay engaged, increasing the likelihood of renewals and future funding.
Consider these strategies for funder stewardship:
- Send a personalized thank-you. Within a week of receiving funds, express gratitude and highlight how the funder’s support will make an impact. Want to see some examples? Check out this collection from Donor Relations Group.
- Provide impact updates beyond required reports. Keep funders engaged with short updates, success stories, or even a brief video featuring beneficiaries. This End Youth Homelessness newsletter speaks to their work and the impact of their member organizations, including data and stats and a powerful story.
- Keep funders engaged year-round. Invite them to events, include them in newsletters, and check in periodically—not just when you need funding. Make sure funders are on your mailing lists, invite them to your annual events, and write them personal notes checking in and wishing them well.
- Maintain relationships even if a grant isn’t renewed. A rejection doesn’t mean the door is closed. Thank funders for their past support and stay in touch.
The more intentional you are about engaging funders throughout the process, the more successful your organization will be in securing sustainable, long-term funding.