Fundraising is a journey built on consistency, trust, and genuine connection. But how do some groups manage to secure vital support year after year, while others struggle to maintain momentum?
Let's break down what really makes sustained giving possible and how individuals like Andi Sklar have made this kind of success a reality through hands-on involvement, passion, and a deeply personal commitment to giving back.
What's the Secret to Consistently Securing Vital Donations Year After Year?
Build Relationships, Not Just Campaigns
Donors aren't ATM machines—they're people with values, emotions, and memories that drive their giving decisions. The key to recurring donations lies in developing real relationships. When donors feel seen, appreciated, and connected to the cause, they're far more likely to continue their support.
Take a moment to think about your most loyal contributors. Do they receive updates about how their funds are used? Do they see the results in action? Creating a strong feedback loop can keep supporters engaged and involved for the long haul.
Let Passion Lead the Way
One of the most effective examples of long-term fundraising success comes from people who are deeply connected to the cause. Andi Sklar, a community advocate from Westport, CT, has shown how dedication, energy, and personal investment can bring people together—and inspire them to give generously, again and again.
From her early days leading the preschool committee at Temple Israel Early Childhood Center to organizing large-scale events for PinkAid and Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Andi's approach has always been hands-on. She doesn't just coordinate events; she builds a sense of community around each one. That kind of authenticity resonates with donors and keeps them coming back.
Keep the Mission Front and Center
No matter how creative your events or how polished your website, people want to know their donations matter. That's why storytelling is such a powerful tool. Share specific examples of how donations have helped real people. Talk about lives improved, challenges met, and futures brightened.
When Andi co-founded Angel-ade—a lemonade stand initiative supporting children battling life-threatening illnesses—it wasn't just about raising money. It was about showing young volunteers and donors alike that they could be part of something meaningful. That emotional connection helps secure long-term support.
Personal Connections Drive Success
Many of Andi Sklar's most successful projects came from relationships—not just with donors, but with friends, volunteers, and local leaders who believed in the mission. Her friendship with Kira Greenfield of Hearts In Harmony is one example. Their collaboration brought both impact and inspiration, allowing them to reach more people and raise awareness in new ways.
This kind of personal investment makes a lasting impression. People are more likely to give again when they feel like part of something bigger—something that includes them.
Final Thoughts
There's no shortcut to consistent fundraising. It's built one conversation, one event, and one story at a time. With the right mix of passion, communication, and community connection, long-term success is possible.
Andi Sklar's journey is a strong reminder that the heart of effective fundraising isn't in flashy events or grand gestures. It's in the small, meaningful acts that add up over time—the connections made, the trust built, and the causes that matter most.
