Funding Formula Stage 5
Improving an unsuccessful relationship
- How you can improve an unsuccessful relationship
If the relationship with an existing donor or partner has broken down, there are plenty of steps you can take to mend it, including:
- find out where the blockages are; why they might have occurred; and what you can do to prevent them happening again
- build on common ground and value differences
- request guidance and assistance when faced with difficult or confusing issues
- share good news from your Member Association
- respect the time and space of your contacts; do not contact them too frequently
- be professional and prompt, for example, when replying to emails, submitting proposals, sending reports, and setting up meetings – and if you anticipate a short delay, let your contact know as soon as possible, with the reason
- keep yourself informed about funding priorities, financing mechanisms and any organizational changes that your donor may be facing
- be honest
- always give contacts your very best attention
- consider constructive criticisms from your contacts, and – if appropriate and relevant – incorporate them into your work
- keep your contacts informed of any changes regarding the project or your Member Association
- revert to ‘neutral’ (not friends) and then start building again
- be patient, and give it time
- ask the donor/partner the best way forward
- What to do if a donor does not want to fund your Member Association
- stay in contact: next time, the donor may have a different strategy and different funding priorities
- ask if the donor knows of any other potential funders for your Member Association’s work; they all keep in contact and know each other’s areas of interests very well, and can perhaps give you the contact details of another potential funder
- ask if the donor can refer or endorse your Member Association to another donor (with a positive message)