Summer’s erratic schedules—donors on vacation, staff taking time off, board members and volunteers unavailable—can disrupt traditional fundraising efforts. But this quieter season offers a powerful opportunity for fundraising leaders, whether they manage teams or work as individual contributors, to reset their approach by leaning into authentic, one-on-one connections. By focusing on building genuine relationships with colleagues, donors, volunteers, and board members, leaders can foster trust, inspire collaboration, and fuel long-term success in ways no strategy or tactic can match. Here’s how to use summer’s lull to cultivate meaningful connections that transform your leadership and organization.
The Power of Authentic Connection
In the rush to meet fundraising goals, it’s easy to prioritize strategies over people. Yet, as Maya Angelou famously said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Authentic connection—taking time to genuinely understand and value others—builds trust and loyalty that drive results.
When team members, donors, or volunteers feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to share insights, go the extra mile, and champion your mission without being prompted. This principle is echoed in leadership literature. In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown emphasizes that “connection is why we’re here; it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” For fundraisers, this means summer is the perfect time to slow down, be curious, and invest in relationships that strengthen your team and stakeholder community.
Why Summer Is Ideal for Building Connections
Summer’s disjointed schedules make it hard to gather groups or push big efforts, but they create space for one-on-one interactions. A quick coffee chat, a casual check-in, or a thoughtful question can deepen relationships without demanding heavy coordination. These moments of connection lay the groundwork for a more cohesive, motivated team and a more engaged donor base when the busy season returns.
Strategies for Meaningful Summer Connections:
Great leaders ask thoughtful, appropriate questions that show genuine interest. For example, ask a colleague about their favorite part of their role or a donor about what first drew them to your cause. Avoid intrusive or overly personal questions, but show curiosity about their experiences, interests, or perspectives. As Daniel H. Pink notes in To Sell Is Human, “The ability to ask questions that reveal what matters to others is a cornerstone of influence and connection.” After each conversation, reflect: What did I learn about this person? Did I focus on them or talk about myself?
Use summer’s slower pace to schedule brief, intentional check-ins with team members, volunteers, or donors. These don’t need to be formal or feel forced. Instead try:
These interactions show you value others’ contributions and create space for authentic dialogue.
Active listening is key to making others feel seen. Paraphrase what you hear and ask follow-up questions. For example, if the occasion affords an opportunity for someone to give you feedback, seek first to understand rather than to respond. This approach builds trust and uncovers insights that can improve outcomes.
Summer conversations unhampered by hyper scheduled days, can reveal hidden strengths. A support staff member might have a knack for storytelling that could enhance your campaigns. A volunteer might share a connection with a potential donor. Ask questions like, “What’s something you love doing outside of work?” or “What’s a skill you’d like to bring to our mission?” These discoveries can unlock new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Encourage your team to adopt this mindset. Model curiosity and connection in your interactions and invite others to do the same. For example, start team meetings with a question like, “What’s one thing you’re excited about this week?” This builds a culture where everyone feels valued, empowering team members to take initiative and interact as peers, regardless of their role.
Practical Tips to Get Started
A Real-World Example
Recently, I visited a new client, the CEO of a successful nonprofit. Over two days, I focused on getting to know him—not just as a leader, but as a person with a family, interests, and challenges. By asking thoughtful questions about what shaped him, I built a foundation of trust. Six weeks later, we picked up where we left off, diving into generative discussions about his organization’s challenges. That connection, rooted in genuine curiosity, fueled our collaboration during our second visit and hopefully will lead to more impactful outcomes.
Conclusion
Summer’s lull is a gift—an opportunity to reset your stewardship by building authentic connections with colleagues, donors, volunteers, and board members. By being genuinely curious, prioritizing one-on-one check-ins, listening actively, discovering unseen talents, and fostering a culture of connection, you’ll create a team and community that feels valued and inspired. When people know you care, they’ll walk through walls for your mission—not because you asked, but because they feel seen and heard. Use this summer to reset your leadership through the power of human connection.