210 Goodbyes: Lessons From Ending Grantee Relationships

In the typical arc of a trust-based funder-grantee relationship, the end of the grantmaking relationship is a normal part of the grantmaking process. Grantmaking relationships can end for a variety of reasons that range from shifts in programmatic strategy to something as simple as the end of a grant cycle. Whatever the cause, in a trust-based relationship, the funder’s goal should be to ensure that this transition is not disproportionately difficult or disruptive for the grantee partner. This starts with recognizing that the end of a grantmaking relationship does not mean the end of the relationship entirely, and approaching this transition with the utmost empathy and care.

This resource from the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation provides guidance and practical steps for how to navigate the ending of a grantmaking relationship in a way that maintains your grantee partner’s needs in mind.