Practical guidance on grant strategy, writing, research, and operations, from the team that secured $137.2 million for nonprofits in 2025.
10 articles in Cultivation Clear filters
Cultivation 5 min read
Getting Your Foot in the Door…and staying there!
5 Common Mistakes in Cultivating and Stewarding Foundations (and how to avoid them) Cultivating and stewarding grantmakers are important steps in the grants cycle,…
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Cultivation 5 min read
“We Regret to Inform You…” 5 Tips for Converting a Funder “No” into a Future “Yes”
If you’re a grant seeker, you’ve likely encountered these scenarios. Scenario 1: You have an existing, positive relationship with a funder. You’ve submitted a…
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Cultivation 4 min read
5 Reasons to Cultivate Relationships with Funders
“I just don’t have the time.” “I’m not good at cold calling.” “Isn’t that the Development Director’s job?” These are some common responses from…
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Cultivation 6 min read
7 Steps for Planning a Successful Virtual Site Visit with Your Funder
We've spelled out a 7-step process for planning your next virtual site visit and pulling it off successfully.
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Cultivation 5 min read
5 Creative, Meaningful Ways to Thank Institutional Donors
Practicing gratitude with your institutional funders doesn't have to feel forced, complicated, or dry.
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Cultivation 8 min read
Navigating Funder Relationships During Executive Transitions: Part 3
Advice from funders on how nonprofits can engage before, during and after an executive transition.
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Cultivation 5 min read
Navigating Funder Relationships During Executive Transitions: Part 2
Tips and tricks of strengthening funder relationships throughout an executive transition.
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Cultivation 3 min read
Navigating Funder Relationships During Executive Transitions: Part I
In this post, search consultant and former grantmaker Carlyn Madden examines different types of transitions.
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