Building Strong Grant Collaborations—From Partner Discovery to Storytelling

It’s one thing to list a partner in your grant submission; it’s another to present a united, compelling vision that excites funders. Here’s how to craft a partnership that stands out (and a proposal that gets funded).

The best partnerships are built on mutual respect, clear roles, and—most importantly—a unified story. Funders want to see not just that you’re working together, but HOW you’re magnifying each other’s impact.

What Funders Look For:

• Joint goals and shared metrics: Set clear objectives together before you write a single word.

• A story that blends strengths: Ensure your narrative showcases both organizations’ value—don’t let key contributions get lost.

• Track record or plan: Evidence of past collaboration is great; if you’re new partners, outline a specific framework for working together.

Practical Tips:

• Hold a partner kickoff meeting focused on vision, not just logistics.

• Share data and success stories openly.

• Draft proposal sections together, not in silos.

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Need help weaving your next partnership into a seamless proposal? I’m here for a free consult—let’s co-create a winning narrative for your collaboration!