Federal and State Government Agencies that Fund Prevention | Related Federal Initiatives | Announcement of New National Coordinator Program | Foundations as a Funding Source for Prevention | Ten Tips for Writing Successful Proposals | Identifying a Qualified Grant Writer | Tips for Developing Relationships with Potential Funders |

• Go to conferences they attend and join the groups they belong to.

• Contribute to the specialized publications they read.

• Call and ask for their advice on a program problem.

• Visit them on an informal basis when you're "in the neighborhood."

• Send them a copy of any article you write, conference presentations you make, or publicity you get.

• Ask what their travel schedule is and invite them to visit your program.

• Ask them to speak to program staff or serve as project advisors.

• Ask them to refer you to other funders.

• Call them for clarification of any new funding information you receive from them.

• (For federal agencies) Ask them if you can be a reviewer of their proposals.

• (For community foundations) Volunteer to help them raise money.

• Invite them to program-related events.

• Ask them what the latest trends are in your field.

• Ask, "Is there any project you'd like to see funded that you've never gotten a grant proposal for?"

• Ask "What were the most successful programs you've ever funded?"

• Ask, "What are the main reasons why you reject most proposals?"

• Ask, "How could we improve our grant-seeking process?"

• Ask if you could interview them for expert input on a proposal/project you are considering.

From Office of Substance Abuse Prevention (1989). Prevention Plus II: Tools for Creating and Sustaining Drug-Free Communities. Rockville, MD: Author.