Caroline Altman Smith, Deputy Director of Education for The Kresge Foundation in Detroit, writes: “I think the best introductory meetings are just that—the PO and the nonprofit getting to know each other and having a productive exploration of the fundraising Venn diagram: what the foundation is interested in funding, what the nonprofit needs funding for, and ideally, coming to a common understanding of that middle circle where you have mutual priorities.”
A few tips:
- Have an Agenda
- If there is something you want the PO to read in advance, attach it to this email – no longer than two pages.
- Don’t assume they know much about you
- Be ready to share key details. What is your North Star goal? How long has the organization existed? How many staff do you have? What’s your annual budget? What are your primary sources of funding? What is your program model and who are you trying to help?
- Watch the clock.