Over the last five years at the Crimsonbridge Foundation, Program Officer Robyn Ellis has built and managed relationships with over 47 grantee partners, across three program areas. From her recent LinkedIn article on the topic, she shares how developing these partnerships has allowed her opportunities to amplify partners' work and make connections with grantee partners, to help advance impactful work and champion visionary leadership and organizations.
After a week spent sharing with fellow education funders, I wanted to share here about what I do and to invite you to share how you help advance impactful work and champion visionary leadership and organizations. Out of the many tips I've collected over the years for building relationships beyond grants, here are 5 ways that I use every day now:
Facilitate Grants & Share Opportunities
If a project or proposal aligns with our priorities, champion it---both with our leadership and within my networks of other funders. I share opportunities through email, in person, or in group settings. This year, I’ve passed along several final reports and co-funding options where organizations outlined clear funding needs.
Share Resources & Ideas Frequently
Actively share resources, innovative projects, and partners' work with my networks. This year, I shared research, events, posts, and initiatives---often with an invitation or call to action---with funder member associations like Grantmakers for Education, Exponent Philanthropy, and Philanthropy DMV.
Recommend Leaders
When opportunities arise, (and when they’re open to it) suggest leaders as panelists, keynote speakers, or podcast guests. I publicly celebrate leaders and their organizations when they’re recognized – for example, by commenting or posting on LinkedIn.
Ask How to Be Involved
When there is interest, offer to support grantee partners by co-presenting at conferences, sharing communication pieces, volunteering, or making key introductions to funders, community partners, or consultants.
Connect to Leadership Opportunities
Help interested leaders access leadership roles or leadership development opportunities for themselves and their teams, at every career stage—and consider funding their participation. This year, nonprofit and college leaders in my network have requested and participated in career coaching, committee and board service, organizational storytelling, and more.