Events and Individual Donor Communities

Nonprofits are heeding this unprecedented call to action and it's giving me life! What we're seeing from our corner: in turbulent times we're seeing our nonprofit clients lean into building and deepening investment from their individual donor communities through events.

WHY? In a world where federal funding is in question and nonprofits compete for foundation and corporate dollars also in flux, the data tells a compelling story: individual donors remain the backbone of sustainable nonprofit funding.
✨Individual donors account for nearly 70% of all charitable giving in the US.
✨Diversification is survival. Organizations with diversified funding sources are 2.5x more likely to thrive during economic downturns.
✨Individual donors represent your most stable funding stream when foundations and government grants fluctuate.

Events aren't just fundraisers - they're your most potent tool for building a community of individual donors, while also continuing to cultivate other partners. Here's why:

✨Events create emotional connection. Studies show that donors who attend in-person events contribute up to 50% more annually than those who don't. Why? Because they've experienced your mission, not just heard about it.
✨Community compounds interest. Donor communities built through events have 38% higher retention rates than isolated givers. When donors feel part of something larger, they stay committed.
✨Stories outperform statistics. Event attendees who hear firsthand testimonials from those impacted by your work are 3x more likely to increase their giving in subsequent years.

At Gather Co., we've partnered with organizations to shift from transactional fundraising to relationship-building events. Not just galas, but inspired, intimate donor experiences that deepen connection to mission and community.

The most successful nonprofits don't just appeal for funds - they invite supporters into their story. And there's no more powerful way to do that than through thoughtfully designed gatherings.

The ways we're seeing my nonprofit clients do this:
✨Effectively hosting small, super strategic templated gatherings in key markets across the country, raising multiple six figures with each one.
✨Leveraging annual events - unique, fun, connecting events spotlighting their mission, program, and impact - to deepen relationships with a community of partners, funders, and build an individual donor community.
✨Convening the masses, thought leaders, donors, and partners in their space to learn, form partnerships, plan and coordinate action (a lot of these!)
✨Inviting the community in to learn and connect through film festivals, fireside chats, and networking events.

Through these turbulent times, our clients are filling me with hope, optimism, and purpose.