In the nonprofit world, we often hear “collaboration over competition.” It’s a beautiful sentiment—one that inspires like-minded organizations to consider the possibility of joining forces to achieve greater good. But, when it comes to funding, the reality can feel very different. There’s a sense of scarcity and often an underlying fear that tells us, “If they get the grant, we might not.”
That mindset needs to change. Philanthropy isn’t a zero-sum game. The truth is that when nonprofits working toward similar missions come together to share resources, ideas, and platforms, the possibilities for transformational change multiply. But many nonprofits don’t know where to start. And that’s where funding salons come in.
What is a Funding Salon?
A funding salon is an intimate gathering of nonprofit leaders, funders, and community members who have gathered to share their own stories and support the work of others in the room. Instead of competing for a single donor’s attention, organizations share how they uniquely contribute to a collective vision for the future.
These salons serve as curated spaces for storytelling, connection, and showcasing how everyone contributes to building a more vibrant community. They bring funders closer to the work on the ground while offering nonprofits the chance to share their impact and learn from each other. And the best part? It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
How Funding Salons Foster Collaboration
When nonprofits enter a funding salon, they’re not just pitching their own programs—they’re often championing a shared cause. For example, imagine multiple organizations working toward improving literacy in underserved communities gathering together. Each might focus on a different aspect: one builds libraries, another trains educators, and another develops culturally relevant curricula. In a funding salon, these organizations don’t have to compete for attention; instead, they amplify each other’s efforts.
Here’s how salons create these opportunities:
- Shared Storytelling: Nonprofits can showcase how their missions complement one another. A funder might see how supporting all organizations in the room creates a ripple effect of impact.
- Inspiration Through Innovation: Leaders can exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and identify gaps that, together, they can fill.
- Funders as Conveners: Donors often prefer a holistic approach to impact. Funding salons offer a chance to demonstrate how their resources can drive broader, systemic change by supporting a network of collaborators.
The Magic of “Everybody Wins”
At a recent funding salon hosted by one of our clients, something magical happened. Three nonprofits working on food insecurity joined forces for the event. Each organization spoke about its unique programs: one focused on urban farming, another on school meal programs, and a third on policy advocacy. As they shared their stories, a funder in the room stood up and said, “I want to support all three of you. Let’s talk about creating a grant to connect these pieces of the puzzle.”
That’s the power of collaboration. Instead of dividing a pie into smaller pieces, these nonprofits grew the pie together.
Why This Matters
As nonprofit leaders, it’s our responsibility to think beyond our own organization’s needs and embrace the collective mission. Funding salons offer us a chance to:
- Build Relationships: With funders, yes—but also with each other. Collaboration often begins with trust.
- Reimagine Funding: Moving away from scarcity and embracing abundance means more communities served, more missions achieved, and more lives changed.
- Tell the Whole Story: Funders aren’t just interested in isolated outcomes—they want to see systemic impact. Show them how your work connects to others in your field.
How Fundraise Inc. Can Help
At Fundraise Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how transformative funding salons can be—not just for raising money, but for building community and sparking innovation. Our team specializes in helping nonprofits curate these events, from identifying the right partners to crafting compelling stories that resonate with funders.
If you’re ready to embrace a new approach to fundraising, let’s talk. Together, we can create a salon where everybody wins.
Because when one nonprofit succeeds, we all do.
