The Future of Fundraising: How to Incorporate Community-Driven Philanthropy Into Your Strategy
August 25, 2025 | 5 min read
Overview:
- Donors crave connection and community and want to give alongside others to see their collective impact.
- Community-driven philanthropy is on the rise, especially among younger donors.
- New donor pipelines are emerging, so connecting with and encouraging collaborative giving can expand nonprofits’ donor base.
- Group giving helps build donor trust and retention.
Donating is no longer a solo act. Today’s donors aren’t just looking to give; they want to be part of a community and to see their impact multiplied through collective action. Fundraising is evolving from individual generosity to power in numbers. Community-driven giving is emerging as a transformative force in philanthropy. From giving circles to collaborative gifting models, donors are reimagining how they support causes they care about. For fundraisers, this shift can be both a challenge and an opportunity.
Let’s explore why community-driven philanthropy matters, what it means for your nonprofit, and how to start embracing this future-focused approach.
Why Community-Driven Philanthropy Is Gaining Momentum
In recent years, donors have become more intentional about their giving, wanting their donations to support causes they are deeply passionate about or have a collaborative element, rather than making transactional donations. This is especially true among younger generations, who are more likely to donate when there is shared decision-making and mutual accountability.
A few reasons this shift is accelerating:
- A desire for deeper connection. Donors want to be part of something bigger than themselves.
- Transparency and trust. Community-driven models often involve more open conversations about impact, building stronger confidence in how donations are used.
- Collective impact. People are realizing that pooling resources can drive bigger, faster change in the organizations they care about.
Giving circles are a perfect example of this trend. Groups of individuals come together, pool their funds, and make joint decisions about which causes to support. These can be like-minded people in the workplace, friend groups, alumnae associations, and more. Platforms like Grapevine make it easy for donors to join or create circles around shared interests, communities, or issues.
Why This Matters for Fundraisers
Community-driven philanthropy is transforming the donor landscape. Fundraisers can no longer rely solely on traditional appeals and campaigns, they need to meet donors where they are and embrace the ways they want to give.
The shift to collaborative philanthropy can offer:
- Untapped funding streams. Tapping into new donor communities you may not have reached before.
- Built-in networks. Collective donors often bring friends, colleagues, and family into the fold, creating a ripple effect.
- Stronger loyalty and long-term commitment. When donors are part of a group with a shared purpose, they’re more likely to stay engaged over the long term.
- Increased trust. Community-driven giving feels more participatory, which builds confidence in nonprofits’ mission.
By embracing this shift, nonprofits can diversify their fundraising efforts while building a sustainable, community-supported future. How can you bring this approach into your fundraising strategy? Here are some actionable ways to get started:
- Research and connect with existing giving circles.
Look for local or virtual giving circles aligned with your mission. Platforms like Grapevine make it easy to identify groups to build relationships with. - Identify companies with a charitable focus.
Companies and employees often want to support local nonprofits. Find companies or employees that currently or previously supported your nonprofit. Encourage ongoing support and collaborative workplace giving initiatives to help further ignite their passion for your cause. Platforms like NPOconnect are instrumental in getting your nonprofit visible to almost 8 million potential donors with access to workplace giving programs. - Invite your supporters to start a giving circle.
Empower donors who care deeply about your cause to launch a giving circle on your behalf. You can provide guidance, share your story, and offer updates on your impact to keep the group motivated. - Host small community gatherings.
Start with informal events that bring together donors, volunteers, and community members to discuss shared goals either virtually or in person. These conversations can organically lead to collaborative giving opportunities. - Tailor your messaging for collective donors.
Impact stories are powerful, but they’re even more compelling when they highlight what pooled gifts can achieve together. Show donors how their collective efforts make a bigger difference. - Create group-focused stewardship plans.
Acknowledge giving circles as a collective, but also recognize individual members for their contributions. This dual approach strengthens both group and personal connections.
Community-driven philanthropy is the future of fundraising, and by embracing collective giving models, like giving circles, fundraisers can build stronger, more resilient donor communities. Ready to get started? Start small. Reach out to a local giving circle. Host a conversation with your supporters about collaborative giving to explore the benefits and opportunities. The future of philanthropy is about community, connection, and collective impact, and your nonprofit can lead the way.
Elevate your fundraising strategies and learn more about how to create high-impact volunteer activities, create corporate partnerships, accept crypto donations, and other free resources on our blog.
Ready to get in front of 8 million potential donors? Visit NPOconnect today and take the next step toward fundraising success!
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