Giving That Goes Further: The Case for Inclusive, Community-Led Fundraising

Fundraising has always been about more than dollars. It’s about people, values, and the power of generosity to transform lives. But in today’s fractured world, it's time to ask ourselves a deeper question: how can nonprofit professionals use our work to build a more inclusive and equitable culture of giving?

The answer lies in reimagining philanthropy and changing from a series of transactions towards a movement rooted in partnership, empathy, and justice. It means moving beyond pledges and pledging to do better, together.

In this article, we explore how nonprofits can...

• Move from transactional to transformational giving

• Use inclusive language to build trust

• Align fundraising with community-led change

From Transactional to Transformational Giving

Historically, fundraising has relied on a top-down model: donors give, nonprofits serve, and beneficiaries receive. But that model reinforces outdated power dynamics and limits the full potential of philanthropy.

Instead, we must shift toward transformational giving. That means treating everyone —including contributors, volunteers, staff, and community members — as active partners in a shared mission. It’s not about doing for others. It’s about doing with others. This inclusive approach not only deepens engagement but also reflects the values of equity and shared ownership.

Addressing Inequities in Capital and Access

In recent years, billions have been pledged toward equity-focused initiatives. Yet, much of that funding failed to produce systemic change. Why? Because it was channeled through traditional systems that often reinforce the very inequalities they aim to fix.

To create real impact, we need to direct capital differently: through inclusive financial institutions, innovative lending models, and community-driven investment strategies.

As fundraisers, we can help catalyze this change by connecting donors to initiatives that prioritize economic inclusion, homeownership, credit-building, and community-led enterprise.

Inclusive Language Matters

Creating an inclusive culture of giving starts with the words we use. Language shapes perception, and perception shapes who feels welcome, valued, and empowered. Be aware of the language you use, and when in doubt, ask. Language changes based on community and region. If you have relationships with key stakeholders, run suggested inclusive language by those members. For some suggestions on inclusive language, consider:

• Instead of "donor," consider “partner.”

• Swap “underprivileged” for “underserved.”

• Use person-first language like “people with disabilities” instead of “the disabled.”

These small shifts can have a big impact on building trust and reflecting the dignity of all individuals involved in your mission. Inclusive language invites broader participation. It signals to your community that they belong, not just as recipients of charity, but as collaborators in change.

Philanthropy as a Cultural Movement

Redefining philanthropy means recognizing it as a cultural force.
Giving isn’t just a financial act. It’s an expression of shared values and social responsibility. That’s why it’s so vital to build a culture of gratitude and interconnectedness within our organizations.

Gratitude, when practiced intentionally, becomes a feedback loop. It nurtures generosity, strengthens community bonds, and transforms fundraising into a relational, not transactional, practice.

Listening, Learning, and Leading with Equity

True inclusion starts with listening. We must meet people where they are. Whether we’re speaking with colleagues who don’t yet understand the nuances of inclusivity or engaging with communities historically excluded from philanthropy, change comes from courageous, nonjudgmental conversation.

Inclusive fundraising means educating ourselves, confronting bias in our systems, and ensuring our strategies reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

A Call to Action

At Julep, we believe in the power of technology to support human connection. Our tools are designed to make fundraising easier and more efficient so that you can invest your time in building more inclusive organizations. Because the heart of every campaign is a community, and the heart of every community is a story worth honoring.

Let’s broaden our definitions of giving. Let’s use our platforms, our resources, and our voices to co-create a culture of generosity where everyone belongs.

The future of philanthropy is inclusive, and it's ours to build.

Want to explore how Julep can help you build a more inclusive fundraising strategy? Get in touch with our team or book a free demo today.