Overview

Often, the first step to finding donors is to tap into your existing networks. Personal connections create the foundation of trust and familiarity that can open doors to greater support and word-of-mouth promotion.

Key Points

• Friends & Family: Share your charity’s mission with close contacts; they can provide the initial momentum and become your first advocates.
• Community Leaders: Local business owners, civic groups, and religious institutions can help broaden your reach by introducing you to potential donors in the area.
• Volunteer Advocates: Encourage volunteers to share your story with their networks. Their genuine passion often resonates with new donors.
• Referral Incentives: Consider offering small tokens of appreciation (like thank-you notes or recognition on your site) for those who bring in new donors.

Practical Tip

Host a small, casual gathering—like a coffee meetup or open house—where existing supporters can invite friends who might be interested in your cause. This face-to-face interaction builds trust quickly.