Stateside View: How community-centric fundraising made me a better fundraiser

Many fundraisers have inherited the philosophy and practices of donor-centric fundraising. Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) challenges us to re-examine traditional models of fundraising.

Community-Centric Fundraising is a fundraising model that is grounded in equity and social justice. It prioritises the entire community over individual organizations, fosters a sense of belonging and interdependence, presents our work not as individual transactions but holistically, and encourages mutual support between nonprofits.

Carlos García León draws on their past experience at Cincinnati Opera to describe how CCF is transforming the company’s fundraising practices. Cincinnati Opera is adopting a community-centered lens. This affects everything from the language used in direct mail to how donor events are planned and executed. These changes have helped their fundraisers feel more empowered. Furthermore, both the number of donors and annual giving amounts have increased.

View time: 43 mins

• Meet the presenter
• Fundraising history
• Intro to Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF)
• What has CCF done?
• Interaction with Tessitura
• Main takeaways
• Resources
• Q&A

Watch the presentation (Video)

Download the Powerpoint presentation (PDF) 

Carlos García León, Individual Giving Manager, Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Part of Tessitura Network's learning series. Tessitura's DEAI learning series aims to elevate ambitious ideas and effective initiatives. We hope to inspire you to advance diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in your own institutions and in the arts and culture sector.

This series of virtual events is co-curated by the Community subcommittee of Tessitura's internal DEAI Committee, along with the Community DEAI Advisory Committee, comprised of 12 global members employed by an organisation using Tessitura.