Withstanding Crisis: Building Donor Relationships for Long-Term Success

In today’s rapidly changing philanthropic landscape, what does it take to build real donor trust and weather periods of crisis? Myriad USA recently hosted a webinar on Withstanding Crisis: Building Donor Relationships for Long-Term Success, offering practical insights and strategies to help nonprofits strengthen donor connections. 

Moderated by Lindsay Marino Long, Vice President, Donor Engagement & Retention at Faircom New York, this session featured expertise from Ishmam Raidah Rahman, Director, Audience & Donor Strategy, International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Allison Fine, President of Every.org. To help nonprofit professionals navigate fundraising challenges with greater confidence and a long-term perspective, the discussion focused on the importance of moving away from transactional approaches to relational fundraising.

Read the highlights below for the key takeaways and watch the entire session recording here.

The Need for a Shift in Approach
With growing uncertainty and pressure to secure funding, many nonprofits still rely on transactional fundraising—quick, one-time donations. This approach isn’t sustainable. It can lead to staff burnout and weaken donor trust. Instead, organizations need to focus on long-term relationships, shifting their mindset from short-term goals to building lasting donor engagement. 

Putting Relationships First with Smart Strategies
By using audience-led strategies, fundraisers can better understand what motivates their donors and create more personalized experiences. Simple actions like sending surveys, using inclusive and community-focused language, and tailoring messages to donor interests can go a long way in building stronger connections. Tools like SMS and peer-to-peer texting also help keep communication timely and personal—making donors feel seen, appreciated, and more likely to stay engaged. 

Future of Relational Fundraising and AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a powerful tool in fundraising. It can handle time-consuming tasks like drafting emails or managing budgets. This frees up staff to focus on what really matters—connecting with donors. But it’s important to use AI thoughtfully, making sure it supports, not replaces, human relationships. By understanding today’s giving climate, prioritizing donor connections, and using tools like technology and AI wisely, organizations can create stronger, more lasting donor relationships that support long-term success.

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This webinar is part of the Myriad USA series on Sharing Best Practices in Fundraising, designed to help nonprofit professionals worldwide enhance their fundraising practices and strategies. With Myriad USA, donors can count on a knowledgeable, one-stop shop for all their international giving, regardless of geographic location. We also provide foreign nonprofits with cost-effective solutions to mobilize resources in the United States. Discover our services at myriadusa.org/services/.