At Thrive Grant Services, we partner with growth-oriented nonprofits to expand their grant funding pipeline with strategy, structure, and clarity. We specialize in helping organizations with established programs, typically with budgets of $500K or more, strengthen their grant readiness, identify aligned funding opportunities, and submit high-quality proposals that reflect their true impact.
The secret behind the "Yes"
An Application is Only Part of the Equation: Funder Relationships Are KeyOne of my clients won a grant without ever filling out an application.
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Two types of funder relationships your nonprofit needs
Relationships are like the root of your applications. The deeper they are, the stronger your application will be.
Cultivate program officer relationships
Done right, fundraising is relational, not transactional. Grants are no different. A cold application doesn’t reach far past the paper it’s printed on. But once a program officer sees your work firsthand, they stop being a gatekeeper and start being your advocate.
Some ideas for building program officer relationships:
- Take them on a tour of your facilities or invite them to see your mission in action.
- Meet them for coffee to learn about their priorities and passions.
- Bring them to your annual gala.
- Send them your impact reports, news stories, and press releases to demonstrate how you use your funding and the impact it has.
Sow a strategic board
My most successful clients have boards comprised of people who work with some of our target funders.
Serving your organization is an immediate signal of trust to their employer. And their connection instantly warms up your cold application. Think about it, would you have more confidence in a blind date you met online, or in one that a friend set up for you?
Plus, if a company employee sits on your board, you may be eligible for their employer’s volunteer grants.
Don’t treat grants like online dating
Grants aren’t just about funding. They’re about relationships that support long-term impact. The strongest nonprofit-funder relationships rarely start with a perfect application. They grow from alignment, respect and ongoing connection.
I have a challenge for you this week. Before Valentine’s Day, reach out to one funder you’d love to partner with to schedule a moment of connection. Be sure to let me know how it goes!
Upcoming funding opportunities
Perdue Charitable Giving Program
https://corporate.perduefarms.com/company/foundation/
Deadline: March 31
The Perdue Charitable Giving Program primarily supports nonprofit organizations that benefit the communities where a large number of Perdue associates live and work. Preference will be given to programs serving the residents of communities in and around major company facilities.
Laura Jane Musser Fund
https://musserfund.org/rural-arts-program/
Deadline: March 12
The Intercultural Harmony Initiative supports collaborative, cross-cultural exchange projects in Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Wyoming, and parts of North Carolina that promote mutual understanding and cooperation between citizens of different cultural backgrounds within defined geographical areas.
Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation
https://foodlion.com/pages/food-lion-feeds?tab=charitable-foundation
Deadline: March 12
The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation awards grants to local feeding partners each year, supporting children at risk of hunger and helping agencies increase access to fresh, nutritious food.
Thrive Grant Services
At Thrive Grant Services, we partner with growth-oriented nonprofits to expand their grant funding pipeline with strategy, structure, and clarity. We specialize in helping organizations with established programs, typically with budgets of $500K or more, strengthen their grant readiness, identify aligned funding opportunities, and submit high-quality proposals that reflect their true impact.
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