How to Approach Funders for Collaborative Grants

As nonprofits continue to navigate limited resources, growing needs, and increased competition for funding, one solution has become increasingly valuable: collaboration. Funders today are not just open to partnerships, they are actively seeking them. Many foundations and government agencies require collaborative efforts as part of their grantmaking.

If you and your partners are considering a joint grant proposal, knowing how to approach funders is essential. A collaborative grant is more complex than a single-organization request, and funders will look for specific signs that your partnership is strong, equitable, and impactful.

In this post, I’ll share why funders value collaboration, what they expect in proposals, and practical steps your nonprofit can take to successfully secure collaborative grants.

Why Funders Value Collaboration

Funders know that no single organization can solve complex social issues alone. Collaborative grants allow them to invest in broader, community-wide solutions that maximize impact.

Here are the main reasons funders encourage collaboration:

• Efficiency: Partnerships reduce duplication of services and use resources more effectively.

• Scale: Collaborations can serve more people and cover larger geographic areas.

• Innovation: Partnerships combine different perspectives and expertise, which often leads to more creative solutions.

• Sustainability: Strong partnerships demonstrate resilience and a commitment to long-term change.

• Equity: Funders appreciate collaborations that intentionally include smaller or grassroots organizations, not just large institutions.

For example, the Annie E. Casey Foundation highlights collaborative strategies in their grantmaking approach, recognizing that systemic change requires joint effort.

What Funders Expect in Collaborative Grant Proposals

When reviewing a collaborative grant proposal, funders look for more than a shared idea. They want evidence of a well-structured partnership that is ready to deliver results.

Funders typically expect:

1. Clear Roles and Responsibilities

   • Each partner’s contribution should be specific and complementary.

   • Funders want to see that no partner is doing all the work while others are passive.

     
     

2. Shared Leadership and Governance

   • Successful collaborations have a process for decision-making that is fair and transparent.

     
     

3. Evidence of Past Collaboration

   • Funders are more confident when they see that partners have worked together before, even on a smaller project.

     
     

4. Equitable Budget Allocations

   • The budget should reflect a fair distribution of funds among partners, not a single organization holding most of the resources.

     
     

5. Strong Evaluation Plan

   • Funders expect you to explain how the group will measure collective outcomes, not just individual results.

     
     

6. Community Voice

   • Partnerships that engage community stakeholders in shaping programs and strategies are especially compelling.

How to Prepare for a Collaborative Grant

Before you approach a funder, your partnership should be solid. Here are the steps I recommend:

1. Choose the Right Partners

   • Look for organizations that share your values and mission alignment. The partnership should make sense to an outside observer.

     
     

2. Build Trust Before the Proposal

   • Funders can tell when partnerships are rushed or purely transactional. Take time to build a genuine relationship with your partners before seeking funding.

     
     

3. Develop a Shared Vision

   • Agree on the overall goals of the partnership and ensure every partner has buy-in.

     
     

4. Put Agreements in Writing

   • A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or partnership agreement shows funders you are serious and organized.

     
     

5. Create a Joint Budget

   • Work together to create a transparent and equitable budget that demonstrates each partner’s role.

     
     

6. Identify a Lead Applicant

   • Most funders require a lead organization to apply. Decide early which partner will handle this responsibility, and document how funds will be distributed.

   
   

How to Approach Funders for Collaborative Grants

Once your partnership is ready, the next step is to engage with funders. Here’s how to do it strategically.

1. Research Funders Who Prioritize Collaboration

   • Not all funders require or prioritize collaboration, so start with those who do. Look at foundations like The Kresge Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that explicitly fund collaborative initiatives.

     
     

2. Reach Out Early

   • Before submitting a proposal, schedule a conversation with the funder. Ask if they are open to collaborative applications and explain your partnership’s strengths.

     
     

3. Tell a Compelling Partnership Story

   • When you talk with funders, explain why your organizations are working together and how your combined efforts are stronger than working alone.

     
     

4. Be Transparent About Challenges

   • Funders understand collaboration can be difficult. If you acknowledge potential challenges (like decision-making or data-sharing) and explain how you will manage them, you build credibility.

     
     

5. Highlight Community Impact

   • Frame your proposal around the collective impact for the community, not just what each partner gains.

     
     

6. Demonstrate Sustainability

   • Funders want assurance that the partnership will last beyond the grant cycle. Share how you plan to sustain the collaboration long term.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Last-Minute Partnerships: Funders can spot partnerships formed only to chase a grant. Build relationships in advance.

• Unequal Power Dynamics: Avoid giving one partner all the decision-making authority unless clearly justified.

• Ignoring Smaller Partners: Funders value equity. Make sure grassroots organizations are supported fairly.

• Overcomplicated Proposals: Keep the structure simple and clear. Funders should easily see the value of the collaboration.

Example: A Collaborative Grant in Action

One great example is the StriveTogether Network, which brings together schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to improve educational outcomes. By forming collaborative partnerships, they have secured funding from national foundations and achieved measurable improvements in student success.

Final Thoughts

Approaching funders for collaborative grants requires preparation, trust, and a clear strategy. Funders want to invest in partnerships that are authentic, equitable, and designed for impact. If you take the time to build strong relationships and articulate your shared vision, you will be well-positioned to secure collaborative funding.

Collaboration takes effort, but the payoff is worth it. Together, nonprofits can access larger grants, achieve greater impact, and build stronger, more resilient communities.