How We Work With Funders

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Mature Relationships

We find that when we have a mature relationship with a funder, both parties benefit and learn. We see ourselves as a service provider, and our customers are funders, whether individuals, corporates or charitable trusts. The only difference is that the services we provide are for other people as well as the customer (the customer pays for us to provide a service to orphans, for example).

Examples of good funder behaviour

Consistent and understanding mentoring by experts
Meaningful visits to deepen the relationship
Understanding that we have other funders with other deadlines
Respecting our organisational objectives, without trying to impose their own.

Examples of not-so-good funder behaviour

Fundraising without consulting us about the plan or budget
Calling our staff away for weeks of training with no notice or consultation
Having no idea of how remote we are
Not paying the full cost of the service - expecting other donors to subsidise them. For example, wanting to fund workshops but no salary (who will run the workshop?)

Characteristics of a Mature Funder/NPO Relationship

Mutual respect
Mutual learning
Two-way consultation
Charging and paying the full cost of a service