Leveraging the Strength of Your Network
When the funding landscape shifts, many nonprofits scramble to find new sources of support. But before you look outward, take a step back. Who already believes in your mission? Who in your network has the capacity to help?
One of the most effective ways to strengthen your fundraising in uncertain times isn’t to start from scratch—it’s to leverage the relationships you already have. That’s why we’re guiding our clients through relationship mapping, a strategic exercise that helps nonprofits unlock hidden opportunities within their networks.
Why Relationship Mapping?
Funding uncertainty can feel overwhelming. Federal and state grants are shrinking. Economic instability makes donors hesitant. Traditional funding models feel less reliable. But in these moments, the nonprofits that weather the storm best aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets—they’re the ones with the strongest relationships.
Your board members, longtime supporters, and key partners already have valuable connections—to potential donors, mission-aligned corporations, and influential philanthropic networks. But those connections often remain untapped simply because organizations don’t ask. Relationship mapping helps you identify and activate those connections in a structured, intentional way.
How to Engage Your Board in Relationship Mapping
Your board and key stakeholders want your organization to thrive, but they may not realize just how impactful their networks can be. The key is to approach the conversation in a way that feels collaborative, not transactional.
Here’s how to start the conversation:
Frame it as a shared opportunity. Instead of asking, “Who do you know that we can ask for money?” reframe it as, “Who in your network might share our passion and want to be involved?”
Make it easy. Provide a simple structure (like the Relationship Mapping Survey) so board members can quickly identify potential connections without feeling overwhelmed.
Focus on engagement, not just fundraising. Some contacts may be ready to give now, while others may be valuable allies for future partnerships, sponsorships, or introductions.
Offer support. Many board members hesitate to reach out because they don’t know how to make the ask. Provide talking points, host role-playing exercises, or offer to co-host introductory conversations.
Unlocking Hidden Opportunities: A Simple Exercise
To help you get started, we’ve created a Relationship Mapping Survey—a tool that will help you and your board uncover potential funding opportunities.
This survey will guide you through key questions, such as:
Who in your network has a strong interest in our mission?
Do you know anyone who has given major gifts ($10,000+) to nonprofits?
Are there companies or foundations in your network that are aligned with our work who you can introduce us to?
Are you willing to host or attend an introduction meeting with a potential funder?
By taking the time to map your relationships now, you’ll be better positioned to navigate funding challenges with confidence and build lasting support for your mission. Because when the world feels unsteady, your strongest asset isn’t money—it’s trust.