Having a non-profit organisation (NPO) that is effectively meeting community needs is not enough when you are asking for support from the outside world. It is vital to also build relationships with potential supporters and keep relationships with existing supporters.
Supporters are donors and people who support you and show interest in your work in other ways.
To build effective relationships and obtain this support, you have to:
- Create awareness that you exist.
- Build interest in your activities.
- Build trust in your leadership and in your organisation.
This relationship building is called “cultivation” – preparing the ground and sowing the seeds to build a fruitful long-lasting relationship.
The four key elements of relationship building are: Awareness, Interest, Trust, Commitment.
