Any nonprofit organization must stay deeply engaged with the community it serves—aligning its initiatives with local citizens and ensuring genuine value reaches them.
When the organization becomes an active local player, it gains the ability to earn recognition, connect with the people who shape its community, and build meaningful relationships with potential donors and volunteers—individuals essential to advancing its mission and expanding its impact.
According to a study by the Urban Institute, about 23.5% of adults in the United States engage in volunteer work. This pushes nonprofit organizations to look locally to find and connect with these volunteers. Collectively, volunteers contribute more than 8.7 billion hours of service each year.
The same study indicates that donations associated with volunteer work account for 13.3% of total nonprofit revenue—highlighting the growing importance of community engagement at the heart of nonprofit operations. This begins with the following key steps:
1 — Encourage Conversations to Build Meaningful Connections
By placing ourselves in the conversation—engaging with stakeholders, donors, and key community members—we open the door to discovering opportunities that align with what people truly need and value.
This approach strengthens relationships, deepens trust, and ultimately saves valuable time and resources.
2 — Participate in Local Events
Many cities host a wide range of local events—from festivals to community gatherings—offering the perfect opportunity to understand your audience and connect with the people who matter.
Your presence at these events not only builds meaningful relationships but also amplifies your organization’s visibility and strengthens its brand story.
