Hi - I know there are many excellent grant databases and resources, Candid, for example, that help nonprofits identify which funders are out there, what they support, and whether we may be a fit. What I'm curious about is what happens after that research.
Are there organizations, professional groups, peer networks, coalitions, or communities where nonprofits openly share the relationship side of philanthropy?
For example:
● How do nonprofits learn which funders are receptive to being approached?
● Are there spaces where organizations share their experiences with particular foundations?
● Do nonprofits ever make soft introductions to funders on behalf of another organization when they believe there is a genuine mission fit?
● Are there peer networks where "I know someone there, let me introduce you" is part of the culture?
● Are there communities where nonprofits can share philanthropic intelligence without feeling like they are giving away or jeopardizing their own funder relationships?
I completely understand why an organization might be protective of its individual funder relationships. I'm not looking for anyone to give away their donor list. I'm really trying to understand whether there is a professional ecosystem where nonprofits help one another navigate the relationship-building side of philanthropy, sharing knowledge, experiences, and, when appropriate, introductions.
We're already involved in some animal sanctuary networks, but I'm wondering if there are additional circles, particularly within the broader animal welfare, nonprofit development, or philanthropic communities, that we may be missing.
If you participate in a group, association, forum, coalition, or informal network where this kind of peer-to-peer sharing happens, I'd really appreciate hearing about it.
#FundraisingandDevelopment------------------------------
Deborah Torrice
CFO
Road To Refuge Animal Sanctuary
CT
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