What did they teach me about connection?

I saw David Guetta, Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Tate McRae, and Calvin Harris live this summer, and their performances gave me inspiration for the work I do at PhilanthroPower.

There is an electrifying power in live experiences. When you feel connected to an audience, it is an irreplaceable moment. This is the same magic that non-profits can harness: when you bring their mission and impact to life in a tangible way, you create that same sense of connection with funders.

These performers are not just creating music; they work relentlessly to hold the audience’s attention, reading and adapting to their energy in seconds to keep them engaged and wanting more. I have seen this work when stewarding funding partners through intentional, consistent engagement, tailoring communications to resonate with them and keep them invested.

When I first saw David Guetta over a decade ago, the performance felt one-dimensional. Today, it is about a seamless orchestration of performers, lighting, visuals, and hours of immersive energy. The same applies to non-profits: they need to coordinate multiple touchpoints, from in-person and online events to compelling stories and showing evidence of impact, to win the hearts and minds of funding partners.

And through it all, the artists who endure are consistent and stand out with a clear identity. That same clarity is vital in philanthropy, helping funders and non-profits see why they should invest in each other’s journey.

How do you create moments of genuine human connection in your partnerships? I would love to hear from you.

#Nonprofits #Philanthropy #Partnerships #DonorRelations #HumanConnection