From our Village Toolkit: FUNdraising

Raising Funds with Fun! Growing abundance with the human touch

Fundraising is a lot like a playground. Some kids are there to win, keeping score and following the rules to the letter. Others are there to play, laughing and tumbling through the swings and slides, completely absorbed in the joy of the moment. At VillageCo, we believe the best playgrounds—and the best fundraising efforts—are the ones where joy comes first.

Let’s be honest, fundraising can feel daunting. Asking for support isn’t easy, and it’s tempting to fixate on goals and numbers. But here’s the thing—when you focus too much on the “win,” you lose sight of the real magic—connecting with people. For us, fundraising is less about achieving a specific dollar amount and more about building relationships. It’s about showing up with intention and sharing the joy and purpose that drive our work.

This mindset stems from one of our core principles: not attaching to outcomes. In Open Space settings (a key part of our Village gathering model), there’s a saying: “Whoever shows up are the right people, and whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened.” We take this to heart. Whether we’re hosting a gathering or running a fundraising campaign, our focus isn’t on the headcount or the feedback - we aim to create a space where connections can flourish.

That said, every game needs some rules. Goals are important—they give us structure and direction. At VillageCo, we set clear fundraising goals and run thoughtful campaigns to support our work. But we approach these efforts with the spirit of a playground: inviting everyone to join, play, and contribute in a way that feels meaningful to them.

So how do we actually fundraise? Here are a few grassroots techniques we’ve found work beautifully for bootstrapped nonprofits:

1. Handwritten Notes and Personal Gratitude
   In a digital world, there’s magic in a hand-written thankyou note. Every donor, no matter the size of their gift, gets a hand-crafted card (yes, ours are made by Grandma!). This small, personal gesture reminds supporters that they’re not just another name on a spreadsheet—they’re an integral part of the Village.

2. The “Pay-It-Forward” Approach
   At VillageCo, we encourage donors to share their giving story. Sometimes this looks like asking them to forward our thankyou cards to someone they think might resonate with our mission. Other times, we suggest hosting small gatherings where they share why they support us. It’s not about a hard sell; it’s about expanding circles of abundance through authentic connection.

3. Face-to-Face Asks (or Voice-to-Voice)
   While email campaigns are practical, they can feel impersonal. We make it a point to call or meet with potential donors whenever possible. These conversations aren’t just about asking for money—they’re about sharing our vision, learning about what moves them, and building relationships that last beyond a single campaign.

Fundraising is, essentially, an extension of our mission to bring people together. By focusing on joy, intention, and connection, we’ve found that the support we need always shows up. And if you’re thinking about attracting funding for your own grassroots effort, remember: the magic isn’t in the size of your network or the slickness of your pitch. It’s in the relationships you build along the way.

At the end of the day, fundraising isn’t just about raising money. It’s about building a village—one where generosity, intention, and connection lead the way. So whether you’re a donor, a volunteer, or someone just curious about what we do, we’re grateful you’ve stopped by our playground. Come play with us anytime!

Food for Thought

1. Are you looking to raise funds for your project or organization at this time? If so, how useful do these tips seem for your fundraising plans?

2. What sort of causes are you most inclined to donate to?

3. What are some enjoyable things you’ve seen in fundraising efforts?