Support for Navigating the Funder-Grantee Relationship

Strengthen the working relationship between a funder and grantee with honest assessment and facilitated conversation.

About This Consultation

A partnership engagement for organizations navigating the complexities of a funder-grantee relationship. Power imbalances, unspoken expectations, and communication gaps can strain these relationships in ways that affect the work. This engagement provides structured support for both parties to name what is working, what is not, and what needs to change for the relationship to function with greater trust and mutual accountability.

This typically includes:

• Separate interviews with funder and grantee leadership to understand each side's experience
• Assessment of where communication, expectations, and power dynamics are creating strain
• Facilitated conversation between funder and grantee to surface concerns and build shared understanding
• Co-design of communication agreements and relationship practices
• Follow-up support to ensure new agreements hold

Designed for: Funders and grantees who want to strengthen their working relationship. This engagement works best when both parties are willing to participate.