The Art of Gratitude in a Grant Writer’s World
There’s a sacred rhythm to fundraising work. A quiet, behind-the-scenes heartbeat that powers every proposal, every report, every check-in call.
It’s not just about securing dollars.
It’s about remembering.
We should remember the people, hearts, and legacies behind the gifts, the intentions behind the investments, and the philanthropic communities that trust us to show up and do the work.
That’s where gratitude becomes more than a nicety. It becomes a discipline.
Recently, I was reminded of this while reading a post that beautifully captured the essence of a "thank you." Not just the routine one-liner at the bottom of an email, but an intentional pause to reflect, to affirm, and uplift.
In fundraising, especially for those of us who write grants for a living, it’s easy to move from one deadline to the next without looking back. We chase deliverables, tweak budgets and obsess over word counts.
But we must never lose sight of the why. Gratitude helps us stay grounded in it.
Here’s what practicing the art of gratitude has taught me:
Say thank you before the grant is awarded. Whether it’s a quick intro call with a program officer or a response to a declined proposal, gratitude builds trust. It signals integrity.
Celebrate the quiet wins. A board member finally uses their network. A staff member answers 20 questions for your narrative. A donor mentions your client in a room you weren’t in. All those gestures deserve acknowledgment.
Teach gratitude as a fundraising tool. It’s not just for donor stewardship. I’ve seen gratitude reshape team morale, strengthen community bonds, and even revive burned-out leaders.
Make it specific. “We’re so grateful for your support” is nice. But “Your $25,000 grant allowed 87 Black and Brown doulas to complete their certification” is memorable.
Gratitude isn’t fluff. It’s a strategy. It’s stewardship. It’s the soul of fundraising (and grant writing) done right.
Are you curious about how to try this in your next grant report or donor note? Start small, customize it to the experience with your donor or grant maker, keep it authentic, and watch what happens.
Let’s walk this fundraising journey with intention and gratitude in every step, not just at the finish line.
