Groups that draw their financial and psychic strength from their own communities will have a greater chance of stability over time. Thus, the fundraising "tips" and suggestions that we have made in the previous pages have focused on raising money within your own community, from whatever source you can identify. We have also emphasized the importance of diversifying your fundraising.

Nevertheless, it is sometimes appropriate to request funds from organizations and agencies outside of your community. This section discusses approaching these kinds of groups. There is no "magic" in obtaining money from funding sources; doing it involves hard and steady work as well as clarity about your purposes and programs.

Before you write to any potential institutional funders, keep in mind some of the following thoughts:

• Remember that applying for money goes far beyond writing a proposal. Your organization-its management and financial systems-must be in excellent order so that you can express clearly what you do, how you do it, and why you do it.

• Work out your plans to meet your goals, including your goals for fundraising. Remember that your fundraising plan should be diversified. (Do not depend on foundations and international agencies. Find other sources within your community.)

• Now, you can think about writing to an organization that gives money. First, try to learn more about the organization you are writing to, including the name of the appropriate person to write to or a description of their current programs. (Because the programs and the staffs of these groups often change, we are unable to include that information.) When you first write, ask for the funding criteria and application guidelines.

• Ask yourself: Do the interests of the agency fit with our group's activities and goals? If you believe they do, write a letter of inquiry or a proposal following the application guidelines of the agency.

• After you have sent your proposal, follow up to make sure that your request arrived. Letters and proposals sometimes get lost in the mail. Write a short note providing up-to-date information, telephone, or visit, if that is convenient. Try to establish a relationship with the contact person. This person will be interested in your work. Treat her/him as a partner in your joint venture.

• Keep in mind that the majority of proposals sent to foundations and other agencies will be turned down. Yours may be one of them. If you are turned down, don't feel bad. Write a nice letter thanking the funder for her/his time. Funders have limited resources, and they cannot provide support for all good projects. Even if you have been turned down, your good relationship with the potential donor will expand your network.

• If you receive a grant, thank the donor soon. Stay in regular contact with the donor and be prompt about sending back necessary documents and reports.

• Always meet deadlines. If you cannot send a report on time, write and explain why.

• Don't be shy about asking for funds again. Discuss with your contact person the best approach and timing about asking for another grant. Share your hopes and dreams with her/him.

• Remember that people at funding agencies are human beings. If they are treated just as a source of money, they will feel bad. They care, and they want and need to be treated with warmth and respect.

Finding financial support "outside" of your community has benefits and costs. On the one hand, the money may be needed for your worthy cause. On the other hand, even when people try hard to create a relationship of quality between donors and recipients, money sometimes can represent power, and existing differences between people may be accentuated by a relationship based on money. It is for this reason that we emphasize a diverse fundraising approach that puts at its center such values as caring, openness, and mutual respect.

	The Global Fund for Women 1375 Sutter Street, Suite 400 San Francisco, California 94109 USA Phone: (415) 202-7640 Fax: (415) 202-8604 e-mail: