Beyond the Application: Why Trust Fundraising Is Really About Relationships
When we think about Trust Fundraising, the application form tends to get all the attention. The deadline, the word count, the budget spreadsheet that still isn’t balancing. We pour our time and energy into getting that bid just right — and then hit send with a mixture of hope and relief.
But here's the thing. The strongest Trust Fundraising doesn’t start with a application — and it certainly doesn’t end with one either.
It’s about people. And relationships. And trust (the humankind, not just the funder kind).
Why relationships matter more than ever
Right now, the Trust Fundraising landscape is competitive. Really competitive.
With more organisations applying for fewer pots of money, many fundraisers are asking the same questions:
How do we stand out?
How can we move from one-off grants to longer-term partnerships?
And what do we do when things go wrong?
The answer — or at least part of it — lies in the relationships we build.
Because funders aren’t just looking for a strong case for support. They’re looking for confidence. Connection. A sense that you’re on the same page and working towards something shared.
That kind of relationship isn’t forged in a 1,500-word application. It’s built over time, with honest conversations, helpful updates, and a bit of give-and-take along the way.
It’s not just about “keeping in touch”
In our recent webinar, Beyond the Application: Building Meaningful Relationships with Trust Funders, our Trust Fundraising Consultant Stacey Teece shared practical ways fundraisers can nurture those relationships — no matter the size of your team or budget.
Here are just a few of the things we explored:
What to say in your first approach (and how to avoid sounding like you’re just pitching)
What to do when things go off track — including how to talk to funders about changes to your outcomes without damaging trust
Ways to keep funders in the loop that go beyond formal reports — even a short, honest email can go a long way
How to use LinkedIn strategically to stay visible and connected without being pushy
The session is packed with tools to help you build relationships that don’t just tick a box — they build trust, lead to repeat funding, and create long-term impact for your organisation.
Want to dive in?
An on on-demand version of the session is now available to watch at your own pace — whenever suits you best.
Beyond the Application: Building Meaningful Relationships with Trust Funders
Led by Stacey Teece, Trust Fundraising Consultant
£30 + VAT
Watch anytime. Share with your team. Revisit whenever you need a refresher.