Moves Management Built Right into the GrantSnag.com Pipeline (Part 2)

In Part 1, we explored how Grantsnag.com’s Pipeline helps nonprofits identify and qualify prospective funders. Once you have determined that a foundation aligns with your mission, the next phase of moves management begins: cultivation.

Cultivation: Building Familiarity and Trust

Cultivation is about building familiarity and trust before making an ask. In major donor fundraising, this may involve meetings, tours, phone calls, or updates about your organization’s impact. With foundations, cultivation often begins through a Letter of Introduction (LOI) or other initial communication.

The Pipeline feature in Grantsnag.com helps you document these activities and track the progress of each relationship. By recording outreach efforts and next steps, you create a clear roadmap for engagement that can be shared with your leadership team and board.

Letters of Introduction

An LOI allows you to introduce your organization, explain your programs, and demonstrate how your work aligns with the funder’s priorities. It is often the first opportunity to begin a meaningful relationship with a foundation.

If a funder responds positively to your LOI, you can continue cultivating the relationship. Some funders may express interest in a specific program, while others may be interested in organizational capacity, expansion plans, or strategic initiatives. These conversations provide valuable insight into what the funder hopes to accomplish through their philanthropy.

Solicitation: Submitting the Proposal

As the relationship develops, you may receive an invitation to submit a full proposal. This is the solicitation phase of moves management.

When a proposal is submitted, Grantsnag.com’s Pipeline allows you to update the status and track important dates. You can mark the proposal as submitted, schedule follow-up reminders, and document additional communication with the funder.

This structure provides leadership and board members with a clear view of fundraising activity. Instead of simply reporting how many grants have been submitted, you can demonstrate where each opportunity stands within the relationship-building process.

Stewardship: Sustaining the Relationship

Eventually, every proposal receives a decision.

If funding is awarded, you can update the Pipeline accordingly and begin planning stewardship activities such as impact reports, thank-you communications, site visits, or regular updates. Stewardship is critical because today’s grant may become tomorrow’s renewal grant.

If a proposal is declined, the relationship does not necessarily end. Many successful grant awards occur after an initial rejection. By documenting feedback, maintaining communication, and continuing to engage the funder appropriately, you position your organization for future opportunities.

Moves management is not just about tracking grants. It is about building intentional relationships with funders over time. Grantsnag.com’s Pipeline provides nonprofits with a practical framework for managing those relationships, keeping leadership informed, and ensuring that no opportunity—or relationship—is overlooked.

The result is stronger communication, better accountability, and a more strategic approach to securing funding for your mission.