• “We’d love to apply—but we just don’t know anyone at the foundation.”
• “They never respond to emails.”
• “We don’t have connections like that.”

Sound familiar? If you work in nonprofit fundraising, you’ve probably heard (or said) these words more times than you can count. It’s a common and understandable belief: getting in front of funders feels impossible.

But I’m here to tell you the truth:

• Getting through to funders is not impossible. It’s just about knowing how to approach it strategically.

With the right tools, the right message, and the right mindset, you can connect with program officers, foundation staff, and even board members without being “well connected” or having a fancy network.

Here’s how I help my clients consistently get conversations with funders—even the hard-to-reach ones.

Start with Smart Research

Too often, organizations rely solely on publicly available foundation emails like “[email protected]” which are rarely monitored and almost never result in replies.

Instead, we take a targeted, research-driven approach.

Tools We Use:

• Foundation Directory Online (FDO): A resource for identifying potential funders, including past grantees, giving priorities, and sometimes email/phone contacts.

• Guidestar (by Candid): Helpful for reviewing IRS 990s to see who’s been funded, how much, and where.

• LinkedIn: The real goldmine. Once we identify a foundation’s board members or staff, we search for their professional affiliations.

Real-World Tip:

Look beyond the program officer. Trustees and board members often hold positions at universities, law firms, and banks. These institutions may list their contact details publicly, providing you with a real way in.

Go Direct with Email Tools

Once we’ve identified the right person, the next step is to find their direct contact info. We use tools like:

• Hunter.io – This platform searches domain names to find associated email addresses. It’s incredibly useful when you know the person’s name and where they work.

• Clearbit or RocketReach – Other email discovery tools that can help verify addresses.

• LinkedIn Messaging – If email isn’t an option, we’ll craft a short, thoughtful LinkedIn message as a first touch.

The email itself? It’s short, thoughtful, and we do not asking about money.

Crafting the Email: Make It Personal, Not Pushy

Here’s what works:

1. Email comes from the Executive Director or CEO – This instantly establishes authority and signals importance.

2. Keep it short and focused – No more than 75-100 words.

3. Focus on alignment, not desperation – Funders want to know you share their values, not that you’re in a panic.

Here’s a sample framework:

Subject Line: Your Organization Name [shared issue]

Hi [First Name],

I’m the Executive Director at [Organization Name], and we’ve been following the [Funder’s] work around [issue area] with great interest. Our mission aligns closely, especially through our recent work in [quick 1-sentence description of program].

I’d love to connect briefly to learn more about your priorities and explore whether we are a good partner. If not, no worries. Would a 10 minute Zoom call in the next two weeks be possible?

Thank you for your leadership in this space.

Warmly,
[Name + Signature]

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The Results Speak for Themselves

Using this approach, our clients see up to a 90% response rate on cold emails to funders.

Yes, 90%.

Why? Because we’re not cold-pitching. We’re inviting a conversation about shared values and a new fit partnership, which funders are far more open to than a cold grant request.

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Lead with Mission, Not Money

This part’s key:

• Never lead with “we need funding.”
• Always lead with “we see alignment and want to explore a partnership.”

Funders aren’t ATMs. They’re partners, investors, and visionaries looking to solve complex problems with the right organizations. You position yourself as a peer, not a petitioner.

Beyond Email: Get Creative with Outreach

If email doesn’t work? Try:

• In-person networking events where funders are speaking or attending (check philanthropy associations and local funder briefings).

• Asking a mutual connection for an introduction (LinkedIn can show 2nd-degree connections).

• Following and engaging with funders on LinkedIn—comment on their posts, share insights, be visible.

Your Access Isn’t the Problem—Your Strategy Might Be

Let’s bust this myth once and for all:

“Getting in front of funders is impossible.”

Not true.

What’s actually happening is this:

• You’re emailing the wrong people.

• You’re using generic, mass-produced messaging.

• You’re leading with asks, not alignment.

When we shift these three things, the results change dramatically.

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TL;DR: How to Get Through to Funders (Even the Quiet Ones)

• Use research tools (FDO, Guidestar, LinkedIn) to find real decision-makers.

• Use Hunter.io or similar tools to get direct contact info.

• Send personal, value-driven emails from a credible sender.

• Don’t ask for money—ask for alignment and conversation.

• Follow up and stay visible.

What’s Next for You?

If you’re tired of cold-emailing [email protected] and hearing nothing back, it’s time for a smarter approach.

This is exactly how I help my clients build funder relationships that lead to real funding without feeling like you’re begging or guessing.

👉🏾 Want help getting in front of funders who align with your mission?

Visit HousingGrants.co to learn more about how we work.

What About You?

Have you ever cracked the code on a hard-to-reach funder?

What creative outreach strategies have worked for your nonprofit?

Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear your success stories.