First there must be a strong enough catalyst to interrupt the status quo. Then they need time for reflection and debate, followed by conversations about process and implementation, before folks on the outside discern any appreciable change. If this is true even of movement-oriented organizations, then it is doubly true of foundations. Most funders weigh any program changes with deliberate care. If your group's work is unusual, controversial or not on most people's radar screen, you may need to resign yourself to a long-term political education effort, which can result in major grants a few years down the road.
Every issue has a funder out there somewhere who is interested in supporting it.
Fran continued to meet with social justice funders, who slowly began to see things her way, because they admired her, because they liked a good challenge or because they had personal experience with this difficult issue. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Take every opportunity you can get to bridge that gap, using your common interests in your community or in your issue. Include potential funders in dialogues and conferences about issues of concern. Put them on your mailing list, and send them material for their own edification, not only when you're trying to raise money.