Tree Equity Funding Action Guide Step Seven:
Stay in Touch

Stay in Touch

Donors in particular don’t like to disappear behind the curtain once the check is written. They’ll appreciate being kept up to date on what you’re doing, and what you’ve accomplished.

People who are investing time and resources — allies, partners and volunteers — also need to hear about what they have accomplished. It can be a source of pride, and build enthusiasm for doing even more.

Good donor communication —  email, websites, phone calls or regular meetings — lays the foundation for a successful project and paves the way for new ones.
The people who’ve funded your last programs are the ones most likely to fund your next one, so stay in touch.
Large or small, make sure all donors hear from you. Whether your funding comes from individuals, foundations, even big federal agencies — you will benefit by maintaining regular contact. Even the feds are people too.

During the proposal phase, agree with funders on what they define as measures of success, and milestones for the project. When you achieve a metric, or meet a milestone, let them know.

Publicize your project. It’s important to educate your neighbors and peer organizations about your progress. If the problem you’re working on is important to the community, build a higher profile. The result: engaged stakeholders, motivated residents.

Harvard Business Review: How to Tell a Great Story

NPR: How to tell a captivating story — from a wedding toast to a job interview

Share the not-so-good news too

If challenges arise, let your partners know; you don’t want them to find out from someone else.  Perhaps you can invite their help in addressing them. Most people want to feel — and be — part of a success story. And they will do what they can to make it happen.

Montage of five headlines in bold colors and bold fonts pulled from different media outlets and sources the effects of the January 2025 Federal Funding cuts and pauses in five different US cities.

Of course, you don’t want publicity when things aren’t going exactly the way you want them to. But if you’re out there first, you can control the story — and perhaps find allies to help you move forward.

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