Networking for Impact: Building Relationships That Lift Everyone
Chapter Leadership Brief 5.16.25
by Megan Waters
Director of Community Engagement and Marketing, Public Interest Registry
There’s a common saying I’ve found myself leaning on as new challenges rock the nonprofit sector: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” But, how often do we really lean into that idea, not just in theory, but in how we build relationships, share the spotlight, and show up for one another?
So much of our work depends on relationships: between funders and grantees, between community leaders and partners, between peers who show up for one another with ideas, encouragement, and sometimes just a gut check. As we juggle urgent goals, shrinking budgets, and packed calendars, relationship-building can start to feel like a luxury, something to do after the big things are done.
In reality, relationships are the foundation.
I’ve had the privilege of working with mission-driven organizations around the world, and the ones that stand out most aren’t just good at storytelling or fundraising. They’re good at connecting: authentically, intentionally, and with purpose.
They don’t network to be seen. They network to connect. To listen. To learn. To build.
That’s where the real magic happens. When partnerships are rooted in shared values rather than surface-level goals, fundraising becomes a community endeavor. Co-branded events. Resource swaps. Strategic amplification. These are just a few of the ways I’ve seen organizations elevate each other, not by competing for the spotlight, but by expanding it.
So how do we move beyond transactional networking and start building relationships that drive real impact? Here are three ways to begin:
Lead with purpose, not pitch.
Start conversations with your mission, not your agenda. Ask what someone is trying to achieve this year and listen deeply. That exchange of purpose is often where the best partnership ideas begin.
Share opportunities, not just updates.
If you’ve got a stage, a newsletter, a webinar, or even a lunch, invite others to join it. Amplify campaigns that align with your values. Generosity creates momentum, and momentum is magnetic in fundraising.
Make your network part of your strategy.
Relationships aren’t “extra,” they’re essential. Block time for peer check-ins, collaboration brainstorms, or community forums. Some of the most transformative fundraising moments happen when you treat connection as part of the work, not a distraction from it.
When we shift from scarcity to shared success, we unlock more than funding—we unlock energy, trust, and long-term impact.
And when the waters get rough, it’s harder to rock our boats when we’re rising together.
Megan Waters, Director of Community Engagement and Marketing, is dedicated to empowering organizations across the globe to live out their mission and make an impact in their community. She is thrilled to champion and amplify the voices of nonprofits who call the .ORG domain home and foster meaningful connections, especially through the .ORG Impact Awards program.
Learn more about Public Interest Registry and the .ORG Impact Awards -2025 Submissions are open now! Want to join our .ORG Community Newsletter or connect, feel free to reach out to community@pir.org.