Successful engagement with by-invitation funders begins with strategic prospect research. By-invitation funders do not accept unsolicited applications, instead inviting organisations that align with their priorities to apply. While these funders can seem inaccessible, the invitation-only approach often reflects a desire to build trusted relationships with organisations that can deliver shared, long-term impact.

Why is this important for a successful fundraising and grant-seeking strategy?

One of the key findings from Strategic Grants’ inaugural white paper, the GEMS Funding Insights Funding Landscape Report, is the significant growth in Private Ancillary Funds (PAFs) in Australia; 59.9% between 2021FY and 2024FY. The majority of PAF’s are by-invitation. Our Aotearoa New Zealand report (to be published shortly) found the same trend with 40.4% growth of by-invitation funders during the same period.

This webinar will explore how grants and philanthropy fundraisers can use prospect research to identify, qualify and engage with by-invitation funders more effectively. Participants will learn a practical three-stage framework for assessing funder alignment to uncover high-potential opportunities and inform engagement strategies.

Moving beyond research, the session will explore what effective prospect engagement looks like in practice. Through case studies, attendees will learn how organisations have progressed from having no relationship with a funder to securing funding.

Designed for fundraisers, grant writers and nonprofit leaders, this webinar will provide practical tools, proven approaches and actionable insights to help organisations build stronger relationships with by-invitation funders and improve long-term funding success.

Key Learnings: