Philanthropy Moves at the Speed of Trust (With a panel of Donors)

In this session, Richard Tollefson will explore the shift from transactional fundraising to a trust-based donor engagement model, arguing that the depth of relationships now matters more than the volume of gifts.  With input from a panel of donors, we examine what trust looks like from the donor's point of view, and outlines practcal changes organizations must make in stewardship and communication to meet rising expectations for transparency, responsiveness and authenticity.

The discussion will also address what donors are no longer willing to tolerate, how trust is eroded through missteps or silence, and how it can be repaired through consistent, values-aligned engagement, illustrated with real-world examples.  In a climate at times shaped by skepticism, misinformation, and donor fatigue, the session reframes major gifts work around listening, long-term cultivation, and confidence building rather than short-term wins. It positions stewardship as a core strategy-moving beyond thank you letters to intentional donor experiences and meaningful engagement and  impact reporting, and concludes with guidance on maintaining trust and confidence during periods of change or crisis, including leadership transitions, uncertainty, and the fine line between clear communication and perceived over-communication.