No Solicitation

So What Exactly Does “No Solicitation” Mean?

Many have asked recently what “no solicitation” – a longstanding rule of Disability Funders Network meetings – means. While it may be self-evident to some, revisiting a few “do’s” and “don’ts” is a valuable exercise for preserving the meeting ground for everyone.

For Public Charities:

DO bring your business cards.

DON’T bring proposals.

DO tell grantmakers about your organization’s work.

DON’T ask on the spot if they want to fund your organization.

DO follow up on leads when you get home, as appropriate.

DON’T send everyone you meet a request for funding.

For Grantmakers:

DO invite a charity to follow up with you after the conference, if appropriate.

DON’T accept proposals on the spot.

DO say, “Sorry, this conference isn’t the place,” if you’re faced with a request for funding.

DON’T mistake enthusiasm from nonprofit leaders about their programs for a request for funding.

For Everyone:

DO respect the spirit of the “no solicitation” rule – beyond the obvious do’s and don’ts mentioned above.