What does the philanthropic application process look like and how are foundations different from public grant makers? How do you engage foundation staff, particularly funders that don’t accept uninvited proposals?
Cultivating relationships with foundations workshop
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If you are interested in seeking philanthropic funding, we encourage you to attend a research development workshop presented by Kristina Weaver, an experienced grants consultant with Hannover Research.
As competition for traditional research funding continues to intensify, many researchers are looking beyond government grants to support their projects.
Philanthropic foundations, trusts and private funders play an increasingly important role in advancing research with realworld impact. However, engaging with philanthropy requires a different approach, mindset and skill set.
Start with the why
A core premise of successful philanthropic engagement is how to tell a compelling research story, one that clearly explains why your research matters, who it will benefit and what difference it will make.
UTS Senior Advancement Manager Sarah Angus suggests that when preparing to approach philanthropic funders, start by explaining the why, the core reason behind your research.
“Why are you doing the research you're doing? Who are you helping? What communities are you engaging with?” she asked, questions that help you tap into the transformative potential of your work so you can share it in a way that resonates.
To get to the heart of your research story, Sarah recommends you visualise your work in phases or horizons:
- Immediate action: What is the urgent issue you’re tackling right now?
- Transitional impact: What might move the current situation to the bigger changes you hope to achieve and why is this urgent?
- Transformational change: What is the potential impact you envision for your research?
This phased approach helps frame your story in a structured way that underscores not only the work, but its broader significance.
“What's the little pilot? What's the next phase? What's the third phase? Horizons frame what's urgent, the problem that's happening right now and helps articulate what is needed to bring in the transformational change you're inspired to be a part of,” she said.
- Find more insights from Sarah in Diversify your funding strategies.
Develop a strategic approach to philanthropic funding
To support you to navigate the philanthropic landscape, the Research Office’s International Grants Team invite you to the upcoming Hanover Webinar: Cultivating Foundation Relationships.
“When working internationally, you need to diversify your funding strategies and look beyond traditional sources,” said International Grants Manager Maggie Wang.
This targeted session will explore practical strategies for building and sustaining effective relationships with philanthropic foundations and positioning research projects for longterm success.
This session will offer you practical guidance and valuable insights
Trusts, foundations, embassies and private investors often seek to support research that delivers meaningful social, environmental or economic impact.
“These kinds of investors are keen to back ideas that are clearly articulated and aligned with their priorities,” said Maggie, adding that success often depends on building genuine relationships.
What the webinar will cover
The webinar will explore practical strategies for building and sustaining effective relationships with philanthropic foundations, including how to engage funders, navigate invitation-only funding environments, and position research projects for long‑term success. It will be particularly relevant for researchers currently seeking or considering foundation and philanthropic funding.
With a focus on practical, research-relevant strategies, you'll learn how to:
- prepare to engage philanthropic funders effectively and authentically
- navigate invitation-only and relationship-driven funding environments
- position your research projects in ways that align with funder priorities.
You will learn how to think strategically about how you frame your research for philanthropic audiences and how to communicate its impact clearly and convincingly.
“If you are looking to diversify your funding strategy, sharpen your research story and build meaningful relationships with philanthropic funders, this session will offer you practical guidance and valuable insights,” added Sophie Petrovski, International Grants Officer.
Who should attend?
This webinar is especially relevant for:
- researchers exploring philanthropic or foundation funding for the first time
- researchers seeking to strengthen existing funder relationships
- anyone developing opportunity briefs or impactfocused research narratives.
How to join the webinar
No registration required. Join online via teams by clicking the link below.
When: Thursday 12 March, 9:30am - 10:30am (AEDT)
Where: Online via Teams
Please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues who may be interested.
If you have any questions about Hanover support or foundation funding opportunities, please contact Maggie Wang or Sophie Petrovski of the UTS International Grants team.