First Session of Nonprofit Sustainability Series Focuses on Building Fundraising Plans and Donor Relationships
Impact in action across the 24:1 community starts with strong, sustainable organizations. That commitment was on full display as network member organizations and professionals gathered at Community Impact Network (Network) for Building a Fundraising Plan That Works, the first installment of the Network’s Nonprofit Sustainability Series, on March 12, 2026.
The session was facilitated by Merideth Friedman and Sarah Mellinger of Raise Up Collaborative, a consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits grow, fundraise, and lead with confidence through hands-on support.
The workshop explored several core fundraising principles, including:
- Ethics
- Philanthropy
- Building donor relationships
- Getting started with a fundraising plan
Attendees represented a wide range of roles and experience levels, from seasoned development professionals to individuals newer to fundraising who were eager to bring practical tools back to their organizations. The session reflected RaiseUp’s core belief that fundraising is not confined to one role or department but instead touches every aspect of a nonprofit’s work.
Throughout the session, participants exchanged ideas, reflected on shared challenges, and discussed how effective fundraising strategies can support long-term organizational sustainability. Through thoughtful discussion and collaboration, attendees explored ways to strengthen donor relationships, communicate their impact more clearly, and better align fundraising efforts with organizational goals.
One of the most impactful parts of the conversation focused on fundraising ethics, specifically the importance of aligning funding sources with an organization’s mission and values.
“Do not let the funds change you from your mission,” said Sarah Mellinger of RaiseUp Collaborative. “We don’t want to chase money for things that we don’t do.”
Attendees shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, noting the session was both informative and immediately applicable to their work.
I’ve been to quite a few meetings here at the Network, and this one has been by far the most beneficial. There were a lot of things discussed and covered that I had never heard of until today.
Earnest Willis, Claudie’s Urban Community Gardens
Friedman emphasized that even small steps can lead to meaningful change: “Tomorrow you can go make a change; you can make a phone call and thank someone. We want you to walk away with something you can use.”
When nonprofit organizations are equipped with the tools and knowledge to sustain their work, communities benefit. By investing in learning opportunities like this series, the Network continues putting impact into action across the 24:1 community—supporting member organizations as they strengthen their capacity and deepen their reach.
The Network extends thanks to Merideth Friedman and Sarah Mellinger of RaiseUp Collaborative for facilitating the first session of the series. They will return to lead part two of the Nonprofit Sustainability Series on Thursday, May 14, at Community Impact Network.
Visit our Nonprofit Sustainability Series event page for more details
To learn more about RaiseUp Collaborative, visit their website in the link above and here.
To download the PowerPoint presentation and worksheets from the session, click below.
