Notes
A Note from Shani
Welcome to Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday Notes.
This is a space for thoughtful reflections at the intersection of cultural heritage, community engagement, philanthropy, and organizational strategy.
Each month, I share lessons drawn from my work alongside nonprofit leaders, descendant communities, historic sites, and mission-driven organizations. Sometimes those lessons begin with a conversation. Sometimes they emerge from research, a historic place, or a moment that challenges the way I think. Wherever they begin, they all lead back to the same question:
How can we build stronger organizations by leading with purpose, relationships, and trust?
My hope is that these essays encourage reflection, spark meaningful conversations, and offer practical ideas you can carry into your own work and community.
Thank you for reading and for being part of this journey.
Warmly,
S. Shani Saunders, MSNPL, ML
Founder & Principal Consultant
July 2026
When Relationships Come Before Fundraising
Over the past several months, I've found myself thinking about a question that surfaces often in conversations with nonprofit and cultural leaders:
How do we raise more money?
It's an important question. But I've also noticed that it isn't always the first question an organization should ask.
Working alongside descendant communities and cultural organizations has reminded me that fundraising rarely exists in isolation. The strongest fundraising efforts are often built on something much less visible: trust.
Trust between an organization and its community.
Trust between leadership and stakeholders.
Trust that stories are being told with care, honesty, and respect.
One lesson I've continued to observe across mission-driven organizations is that fundraising is strongest when it grows from authentic relationships. Campaigns can create momentum, but lasting support is built through trust, shared purpose, and genuine connection. When people feel connected to a mission, giving becomes less about a transaction and more about participating in something they believe in.
That doesn't mean fundraising strategies aren't important. They absolutely are. But strategy is most effective when it reflects relationships that already exist, or intentionally helps build new ones.
This has become one of the most meaningful lessons in my own work.
Whether I'm thinking about descendant engagement, heritage preservation, or organizational strategy, I keep returning to the same idea:
Strong relationships create strong organizations.
Fundraising is one expression of that strength, not the starting point.
A Question to Consider
If your organization paused fundraising for a moment, what relationships would still be thriving?
The answer may reveal your greatest opportunity for long-term growth.
Thank you for reading.
— Shani