Here it is:
Successful fundraising starts way before you ask anyone for money. It begins with connection, trust, and consistent engagement, not when you send the donation form.
So, what makes people want to give before you ask?
Think about the last time you gave to a cause.
Chances are, it wasn’t just because someone asked.
You probably felt connected. Inspired. Maybe even seen.
That’s the power of community-building, and it’s what makes up the other 90% of successful fundraising.
Here’s what that looks like in real-life action:
- Showing up consistently with content that educates, inspires, or invites people to get involved
- Engaging your supporters with stories and updates before you ask them for money
- Creating two-way conversations where your community feels heard, not just pitched
It’s not about selling. It’s about relationship-building.
People don't want to be ATMs, they want to feel like part of a mission. In today’s world, with trust in institutions at an all-time low, people are craving authentic connection more than ever.
When donors feel like part of your mission before they’re asked to give, the ask becomes a natural next step, not a pressure point.
How to start building trust and connection now
If you’re just starting out or feeling stuck, here’s the good news:
You don’t need a huge list or a polished website to start building authentic relationships. You just need a plan to show up and stay consistent.
Here are three simple ways to start:
1. Share small, honest updates
What are you working on this week? What’s been a win or a challenge?
Even a short post or email helps your community feel like they’re part of your journey. Need some inspiration? I love this little update on Instagram from one of my nonprofit friends sharing their latest impacts.
2. Ask supporters questions
“What would you do to inspire more people to volunteer for our cause?”
“What’s one thing you wish more nonprofits knew?”
Simple, open-ended questions like these spark conversations and help people feel seen.
3. Celebrate your people
Give shoutouts to volunteers, donors, and community members.
It builds goodwill, and it shows that you value every contribution, not just financial ones.
Over time, these small touchpoints create a web of connection and trust that makes your eventual fundraising ask a much more likely “yes.”
👉 Coming Soon: The Zero to $100K Nonprofit Fundraising Toolkit
Want a step-by-step roadmap to build a successful campaign from the ground up? My upcoming toolkit will guide you through all of the steps from scratch to reach your first fundraising goal.
Sound like it might help you out? You can click here to be automatically added to the waitlist to get the alert when it goes live.
Try it this week 🚀
Reach out to one person in your community, maybe a past donor, a volunteer, or someone who’s shown interest in your work, and send them a quick note.
Let them know what you’re working on, why it matters right now, and one simple way they can stay connected. That personal touch might feel small, but it’s a powerful way to start building the relationships that lead to stronger campaigns later.
Hit reply and say hey 👋
What’s one small way you’ve stayed connected to your community lately or something you’re planning to try? Hit reply and let me know. I read every message!
