Hey Reader,

I've always believed that community is the heartbeat of the nonprofit sector. But it wasn't until I met Tasha years ago that I really felt what that meant.

Tasha Van Vlack is the founder and steady mind of the Nonprofit Hive, a space built on humanity. She had an idea, and instead of waiting for permission, she built it.

Not for applause or optics, but for all of us. For those of us who sometimes feel isolated within a sector built on connection.

She calls herself a community builder disguised as a marketer. And honestly, that tracks. She creates virtual spaces where people show up, start listening, and actually feel seen.

No fancy tools. No big campaigns. Just a steady rhythm of showing up, making space, and reminding us we belong.

The Hive’s approach taught me something crucial: in a digital-first world where it's easy to feel like another profile picture in a sea of updates, real community happens when we lead with heart, not hustle.

Community isn't a "nice to have."

It's the soul of an organization. When people feel like they belong, they stay. They give. They volunteer. They advocate. Best part? They grow with you.

Your organization doesn't grow because of content. It grows because of connection. And right now? We need that more than ever.

Supporters want you to talk with them, not at them. In a world saturated with campaigns and carefully curated social media posts, what people want is something real.

They want to belong to something grounded in purpose, not promotion. More than anything, they want to be part of a community that invites their presence, not just their participation.

That starts with us.

So how do we build that kind of community?

The good news: you don't need a massive platform or a perfectly architected ten-step funnel. What we all need is a commitment to listening.

It's about making space for your supporters to talk to each other. It’s about you showing up consistently, not just when you have something to fundraise for and building through dialogue—sometimes quiet, maybe messy, but always human.

And if your goal is to grow revenue through fundraising? Start by creating relationships. Talk to your current donors and learn from them.

To those who ask how to fundraise: start by building your nonprofit's community and watch the power of turning passive supporters into passionate champions. Become a reflection of your values.

Here's your next step:

Think about one small way you can make space for community this week. Start a conversation. Host a tiny gathering. Ask a question. Invite feedback on your case for support.

When you lead with heart, your supporters will follow.

And if you ever wonder whether it's worth it? Ask Tasha. She'll tell you how one person, one email, one genuine connection can make all the difference.

Hit reply and let's talk about where you can begin building your nonprofit's community.

Link 💜

Not a member of the Nonprofit Hive yet? Join the free 1-1 community platform for changemakers to create and cultivate their social impact network.

Interested in building an online community? Facebook Groups work but there's a whole world of platforms to check out. Check out this review from Storyprompt.

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