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How do I contact these donors? Once you have identified a list of potential donors reach out to them. Email or phone them and request a meeting in person (if they are located in the country/city where you work) or by phone/Skype (if they are located elsewhere). Once you make contact be sure to ask more about their goals and strategies – what is it they want from an NGO? Next provide information on your NGO and project and propose that you send them a short concept note that outlines a program in which they could be interested.
What shall we send them? Send the donor a concept note that summarizes the program and budget. Do not send them a big proposal with annexes unless they have asked for this specifically. Set a date to follow-up with this donor. Answer any questions they might have and ask for feedback.
Getting to yes. If the donor is not interested thank them for reviewing the concept note and indicate you will get back to them in future. Try again with a revised or different proposal six months or so later. No often means – not now – so don’t give up too quickly. If the donor is interested they will often ask you for a more detailed proposal. Keep your fingers crossed for them to say yes!
