REAL Philanthropists in the wild - what can we learn?

In my 20+ years in the nonprofit world, I have encountered countless individuals for whom philanthropy is a core value. Almost exclusively, I’ve met these dedicated supporters through my professional work. They might have found their way into our donor database, attended one of our events, or engaged with our mission through educational outreach and invitations. What stands out is that nearly all of them were drawn to our organization because of its mission.

I have always believed, and still do, that whether they remain engaged and their contributions increase in size ultimately rests on the shoulders of the organization’s leadership and development team.

In my personal life, I’ve been fortunate to maintain a diverse group of friends, many of whom are actively engaged in their communities and various nonprofits. We serve on boards, volunteer our time, and donate when we can, instilling in our children the importance of giving back. I often describe myself as an “aspiring philanthropist” and I believe many of my friends would echo this sentiment; they, too, wish they could do more for the causes that resonate with them.

A few years ago, we downsized and moved into a neighborhood with many retired couples and “snowbirds” who escape the Florida heat each summer. We’ve been warmly welcomed by our new neighbors, included in block parties, and engaged in everything from dog-walking gossip to lively political debates. Among this new circle, I discovered a couple who are deeply involved with several nonprofits in their other hometown. They are major donors to both a local hospital system and, as passionate collectors, to an art museum. These individuals exemplify what it means to be real philanthropists—an experience that has provided me with invaluable insights without the burden of stewardship.

From my interactions with them, I’ve gleaned three crucial lessons that can significantly enhance any nonprofit’s engagement strategy:

1. Building Strong Relationships is Essential: The relationships that these philanthropists have forged with fundraising staff are critical to their ongoing support. When turnover is mishandled—like what happened at one museum they supported—it can have dire consequences. Their disappointment led them to shift their engagement to a neighboring city’s museum. This emphasizes the importance of continuity and personal connection in donor relations. Organizations must invest in building and maintaining these relationships to foster long-term support.

   
   

2. Education Drives Engagement: These philanthropists appreciate being informed—not only about the essential work being conducted by the nonprofit but also about various strategies for giving that may benefit them. For instance, the hospital has embraced a creative approach by accepting gifts of art that aren’t necessarily museum quality. They’ve developed agreements that allow for the sale of these pieces down the line to raise crucial funds. This kind of proactive education empowers donors and fosters a deeper connection to the mission.

   
   

3. A Willingness to Explore Opportunities: This couple has more to give than they currently do and is open to hearing from other organizations. This presents a significant opportunity for nonprofits. Organizations can tap into a broader base of support by clearly communicating the impact of potential contributions and the various ways to get involved. Engaging these philanthropists in meaningful conversations about their interests and passions can open the door to transformative gifts.

None of these lessons was a surprise - but it has been a pleasure to have these meaningful conversations without the responsibility of making an “ask” at the end of our lunch, dinner, or walk around the block. Of course, I was also unburdened with bringing the perspective of an organization to the conversation - and was open to listening to their wide-ranging interests and concerns. Turning conversations like this into passionate descriptions about the impact they could make on an organization would have been a different kind of exciting - but for now I’ll leave that to the development officers at their hometown non-profits.

At Team Kat & Mouse, we are dedicated to helping you build a robust Major Gifts program that attracts “real” philanthropists to your organization.

By focusing on relationship-building, education, and open communication, we can empower you to cultivate lasting connections with your supporters. If you’re ready to enhance your fundraising strategy, please email us to set up a conversation.

Together, we can turn your vision into reality!