Building Genuine Connections for Community Growth and Funding

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You’ve been to networking events. Maybe you’ve exchanged business cards, chatted about the latest sports scores or local politics, and asked the ever-popular question: “What do you do?” Chances are, you already knew most of the people in the room, and you ended up talking to your usual circle. Real networking didn’t happen because mingling with strangers can feel awkward.

But great networking starts with a simple intention: think about how you can help the other person. Instead of focusing on what they can do for you, ask yourself: What do I know, or who do I know, that might help them? This is especially important when nonprofits and businesses look to forge meaningful partnerships—like a child care center collaborating with a large employer to support working parents.

Five Conversation Starters

Below are five conversation-starting questions tailored for nonprofit leaders and board members to ask businesses in the community. They’re designed to uncover potential areas of collaboration, funding, and mutual benefit:

1. What community challenges are affecting your employees that our nonprofit could help address?
   For instance, do working parents struggle to find reliable child care? Might they need job training or career-development support?

2. How could partnering with a nonprofit strengthen your workforce or business operations?
   A child care partnership, for example, can help reduce absenteeism and boost employee retention.

3. Are there any skills, resources, or expertise your business can share that would further our nonprofit’s mission while benefiting your organization’s goals?
   This could include mentorship programs, donated equipment, sponsoring an event, or marketing support.

4. In what ways do you see nonprofits and businesses collaborating to grow and sustain our community?
   For example, an employer might sponsor a child care program or invest in local community-building initiatives.

5. Do you have any upcoming projects or initiatives where a nonprofit partnership could create mutual value?
   Whether it’s an employee benefit program or a community event, collaboration can amplify the impact for both sides.

Use these questions to open dialogue with leaders you don’t already know. Simply approach them, introduce yourself, and work these prompts into the conversation.

Photo by Massimo Virgilio on Unsplash

The key is to listen carefully and remember their needs. If you realize you can make an introduction—to a potential donor, a relevant grant program, or another supportive organization—don’t just say, “You should meet [Name].” Instead, follow up:

“Hi [Name], I’d like you to meet [Contact’s Name]. They’re working on a project you may find interesting. Here’s their contact information. It’d be wonderful if you reached out, and be sure to let them know I sent you.”

That business card you collect now has a purpose. Jot down “Introduce to [Name]” as a reminder. By thoughtfully helping people connect with one another, you build trust, deepen relationships, and open the door to future funding or in-kind support.

At Rural Pathways, we believe in the strength of rural communities—where everyone genuinely looks out for each other. When nonprofits and businesses work together toward common goals, the entire region benefits, from economic development to improved quality of life.

Take Action Today

Discover fresh ways to connect with potential funders! Our customized Funding Road Maps are designed to open new doors. Unsure about how to proceed with a business that’s interested in sponsoring your organization’s work? We can help with that, too, through our customized Outreach Toolkits. Contact us to learn more.

Citation: Anderson, Charity & Gilpin, Staci. (2025). Building Genuine Connections for Community Growth and Funding. Rural Pathways News.