Giving as Opportunity

I’ve been involved in fund development and grantmaking for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I’d tag along with my dad delivering food bags for our church at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Later, I became his right-hand fundraiser for Davidson College, the arts project he co-founded, the Diocese of Virginia, and even local restaurants and beautification projects in our hometown of Alexandria, VA.

Along the way, I learned that fundraising isn’t just about asking for money—it’s about stewardship: building real relationships between an organization, its mission, and its donors. Giving shouldn’t feel like a burden—it’s a chance to connect your passion with a cause about which you care. People give to people, not just to programs. A great Development Director builds trust, and that trust leads to lasting, meaningful support.

Before formally working in development, I was a program director for a nonprofit right out of college, running a sports event to raise awareness for people with disabilities. I saw firsthand how trust with participants—many of whom had physical challenges—led to powerful connections. Donors engaged not just out of sympathy, but because we showed them what’s possible. That’s the kind of community-driven impact that makes all the difference.

Sometimes, selling “the need” works, but what really resonates are the mindset shifts that bring joy, opportunity, and real impact back to giving—for donors, organizations, and communities alike

Giving as an Opportunity: Five thoughts

1. 1. Prioritize Community Needs Over Transactions
      Leading organizations and donors are moving beyond transactional giving by engaging in deeper conversations. Focus on the problem as defined by the community, and consider who is involved in causing or solving it—and who should be brought to the table. This approach ensures solutions are truly relevant and impactful.

   2. Commit to Knowledge & Learning
      The most effective funders—whether government, private sector, or individuals—make time to learn from other communities and organizations. For example, piloting a Guaranteed Income project with the Arlington Community Foundation in 2022 deepened my understanding of the causes and cycles of poverty. Learning from beneficiaries and the real effects of policy was transformative and informed better solutions.

   3. Celebrate Giving as an Opportunity
      Giving should be a celebration and a chance to connect with causes that reflect your values. When donor, organization, and beneficiary missions align, it creates stronger relationships, more giving, and lasting partnerships that make a real difference.

   4. Understand What Makes a Strong Nonprofit
      Look to leaders like Paty Funegra, who launched La Cocina (Kitchen of Purpose) to help immigrants access culinary training and hospitality jobs. She became an expert in her field, diversified funding and placement sources, and ultimately created a robust model for organizational strength and funder appeal. Her checklist for organizational capacity is a valuable resource for any nonprofit.

   5. Foster Connection at All Levels
      Breaking down silos between funders, organizations, and communities is essential. The more connected we are, the better we can protect, support, and strengthen our economy and society. Collaboration helps us avoid extreme solutions and fosters mental well-being by giving people purpose and connection.