{"id":118762,"date":"2026-04-17T01:14:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T08:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog?p=118762"},"modified":"2026-08-03T04:21:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T11:21:49","slug":"nonprofit-leaders-need-to-be-thought-leaders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/nonprofit-leaders-need-to-be-thought-leaders","title":{"rendered":"Nonprofit Leaders Need to Be Thought Leaders \u2013 Here\u2019s Why, and How to Start"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Fundraising is an obvious, ongoing challenge for nonprofits, and it\u2019s only getting harder. But a close second is having more work to do than hands to accomplish it.<\/p>\n<p>Delving into thought leadership may be the solution for both.<\/p>\n<p>In this blog, I\u2019ll commiserate with the difficulties, offer a breakdown of the three circles that compose your thought leadership ecosystem, and show how investing in them won\u2019t add more work \u2013 just more reward.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Nonprofits are stretched thin; a thought leadership ecosystem lets your existing work do more for you.<\/li>\n<li>Thought leadership shifts donor engagement from &#8220;please give&#8221; to &#8220;here&#8217;s our story&#8221; \u2013 building trust instead of fatigue.<\/li>\n<li>Use the three-circle ecosystem to grow funding, partnerships, and impact.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a id=\"post-118762-_m5nto2wqd2a4\"><\/a>You&#8217;re Not Failing \u2013 You\u2019re Stretched Thin and Stuck<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s likely not a surprise that nonprofit fundraising has gotten <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imissioninstitute.org\/nonprofit-fundraising\/why-fundraising-is-getting-harder-and-how-to-adapt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">increasingly difficult<\/a> over the last decade due to donor fatigue, AI disruption, the burnout epidemic, and the significant withdrawal of government funding in 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Even previously robust organizations are now stretched thin, underfunded, and burning out. Those who were already struggling are only feeling more pressure.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>But lack of an engagement strategy might be part of the problem, too. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nonprofitpro.com\/article\/more-than-half-of-nonprofit-leaders-reported-not-having-donor-engagement-strategies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">56% of nonprofits<\/a> don&#8217;t have one in place, resulting in teams working 10x harder for 1x results.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/components-of-a-strategic-impact-report\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Impact reports<\/a> are skimmed rather than absorbed, fundraising efforts feel like transactional turn-offs, and events are more draining than impactful for everyone involved.<\/p>\n<p>This lack leads to inefficiencies that can be more costly than you think. Nonprofits with strong reputations built on trust get <a href=\"https:\/\/nla1.org\/nonprofits-reputation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">50% more funding opportunities<\/a>, but losing that trust \u2013 for whatever reason \u2013 can cause <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boardeffect.com\/blog\/public-trust-in-nonprofits-what-boards-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">92% of donors<\/a> to walk away.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a id=\"post-118762-_7uu5y8365zig\"><\/a>The Solution: Build Your Thought Leadership Ecosystem<\/h2>\n<p>One of the best ways to ensure and sustain donor confidence is to make the transition from leading with a cause to leading with your best thinking.<\/p>\n<p>In the Business-to-Business (B2B) world, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.edelman.com\/expertise\/Business-Marketing\/2024-b2b-thought-leadership-report?utm_campaign=Edelman%20X%20LinkedIn%20Thought%20Leadership%20Impact%20Report%202024&amp;utm_source=linkedin-marketing&amp;utm_content=main-hub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">90% of decision makers<\/a> say they are moderately or very likely to be more receptive to sales or marketing outreach from a company that consistently produces high-quality thought leadership \u2013 and it can help your nonprofit, too.<\/p>\n<p>Thought leadership doesn\u2019t require delivering some grand ivory tower thesis or accumulating bylines from elite publications. Rather, it\u2019s thinking deeply about foundational ideas, leaning into high-level, issue-leading conversations, and sharing your perspective on a wider scale.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-118742 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nonprofit-thought-leadership-quote-block-1.svg\" alt=\"nonprofit thought leadership Ryan Klee Quote\" width=\"1645\" height=\"925\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Organizations that proactively demonstrate their expertise with transparency receive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.captrust.com\/resources\/transparent-reputations-and-nonprofits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">53% more in contributions<\/a>, but thought leadership is even more impactful for small donors because of the value they place on personal connection. With corporate giving consolidating, this loyal community of small donors (who now get <a href=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/one-big-beautiful-bill-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bigger tax breaks<\/a>) is understandably even more essential.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Another reason to put your best thinking front and center? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theinsightcollective.com\/insights\/why-b2b-buyers-trust-brands-partner-with-industry-experts#:~:text=Partnering%20with%20industry%20experts%20offers,of%20B2B%20sales%20and%20marketing.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">75% of B2B decision-makers<\/a> trust brands that are affiliated with industry experts or influencers, and your organization\u2019s leaders <em>are<\/em> the industry experts.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>This increase in value doesn\u2019t require staggering new efforts. Rather than heaping more work on already overstretched departments, thought leadership will make everything you&#8217;re already doing work harder for you.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a id=\"post-118762-_7in0s6wnoe5i\"><\/a>The Three-Circle Ecosystem<\/h2>\n<p>Within a thought leadership ecosystem, three elements work together to create sustainable impact. They\u2019re interconnected circles, each strengthening the other.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_118754\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-118754\" style=\"width: 1081px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-118754 \" src=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nonprofit-leaders-as-thought-leaders-three-circle-ecosystem-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Three-circle ecosystem visualization\" width=\"1081\" height=\"609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nonprofit-leaders-as-thought-leaders-three-circle-ecosystem-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nonprofit-leaders-as-thought-leaders-three-circle-ecosystem-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nonprofit-leaders-as-thought-leaders-three-circle-ecosystem-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nonprofit-leaders-as-thought-leaders-three-circle-ecosystem-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nonprofit-leaders-as-thought-leaders-three-circle-ecosystem.jpg 1999w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1081px) 100vw, 1081px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-118754\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Visualization of the three-circle ecosystem, courtesy of Rootstock.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"post-118762-_cwxr7vk8jpq0\"><\/a>Circle 1: Strategy &amp; story<\/h3>\n<p>Story goes beyond a <a href=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/nonprofit-mission-statement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mission statement<\/a>. It\u2019s an authentic articulation of who you are, what you know, what you\u2019re solving, and why it matters.<\/p>\n<p>It reveals where you\u2019re best positioned for exceptional practice, and how you can boldly lead others forward with you.<\/p>\n<p>As the primary leader of your organization, begin by answering four questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What brought you here?<\/li>\n<li>What are you making\/building\/solving?<\/li>\n<li>Why does it matter?<\/li>\n<li>What does it mean to you?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Extend those questions to other key players on your team, and compare your answers. By answering them clearly and honestly, key gaps and opportunities will emerge.<\/p>\n<p>Your strategy \u2013 which includes the most promising opportunities, the right audiences, and the next steps for reaching them \u2013 will become clearer from there. (Though we also still believe in doing a good old-fashioned <a href=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/nonprofit-swot-analysis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SWOT exercise<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a free template:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/library.donorbox.org\/nonprofit-swot-analysis-template\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-118750\" src=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Nonprofit-SWOT-Analysis.svg\" alt=\"Free Nonprofit SWOT analysis template to download\" width=\"1056\" height=\"352\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>When these two things are in place, impact reports can become established proof of a unique approach, grant proposals position your organization as the expert, and fundraising appeals transform into relationship magnets.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"post-118762-_wkw5s36yr30v\"><\/a>Circle 2: Connections, conversations &amp; content<\/h3>\n<p>Thought leadership is refined by conversations of compelling <a href=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/content-marketing-for-nonprofits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">content<\/a>, where they\u2019re building the most lasting connections.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nla1.org\/nonprofits-reputation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Over half of donors<\/a> say a nonprofit&#8217;s online presence matters. So how do you remain consistent without burning out?<\/p>\n<p>Each of these elements feeds the other, resulting in more impact with less output. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>That panel you spoke on or attended can provide multiple social media posts, newsletter content, and a new script for donor calls.<\/li>\n<li>Your impact report can supply data for media interviews and proof points for speaking proposals.<\/li>\n<li>A study from another organization can spark thoughtful discussion within your own team, which can be shared on multiple platforms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Visibility doesn\u2019t mean showing up everywhere or responding to everything. Staying tied to your story and strategy will ensure no effort in this circle is wasted.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"post-118762-_ww4htdriafod\"><\/a>Circle 3: Trust, community &amp; clout<\/h3>\n<p>Everyone wants to be part of a cause led with clarity and clout, and the community that unfolds from there simultaneously reinforces trust and awareness.<\/p>\n<p>Grounded in story and strategy, your content and conversations can turn <a href=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/raise-money-with-events\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fundraising events<\/a> into community-building experiences.<\/p>\n<p>Attendees arrive already familiar with your mission and leave feeling like collaborators in a shared goal rather than as donors who are simply writing checks. Plus, they\u2019re empowered to stay connected through every touchpoint in between and beyond the event.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-118746 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/nonprofit-thought-leadership-quote-block-2.svg\" alt=\"Ryan Klee Quote\" width=\"1627\" height=\"915\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Your thought leadership ecosystem, therefore, creates more <a href=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/sustainable-fundraising\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sustainable funding<\/a>, improves recruitment, and reduces dependence on any single source.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"post-118762-_cdluajy22tm7\"><\/a>Making It Real<\/h3>\n<p>Beginning with the four essential Story questions will equip everyone to walk into any conversation seeking collaborators instead of permission. They\u2019ll keep you from trying to prove your worth and validate your work\u2019s value, because you\u2019ll clearly <em>know<\/em> your value.<\/p>\n<p>Then, when supporters see themselves instead as collaborators in your story, they\u2019re invigorated to be part of a larger mission.<\/p>\n<p>To get started:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Spend focused time on your Story questions.<\/li>\n<li>Audit your last 90 days of content and look for alignment, or where it misses the mark.<\/li>\n<li>Identify one new conversation \u2013 a panel, a donor meeting, a team discussion \u2013 that ties to this story and that you can turn into shareable content this week.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><a id=\"post-118762-_d6luriiwglr5\"><\/a>Over to You<\/h2>\n<p>Investing time in a thought leadership program requires deeper thinking, thoughtful strategy, confidence in your story, and the ability to change tactics \u2013 without adding more hours on the clock.<\/p>\n<p>Ready to learn more about what your thought leadership ecosystem may entail?<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><a href=\"https:\/\/rootstock.agency\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Talk to Rootstock<\/a> about what this looks like for your organization. We use decades of combined experience in strategic, creative storytelling to help clients identify their truth, use it to strategize their approach, fuel new content, and increase quality engagement overall.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>And if you&#8217;re seeking a fundraising partner once your story\u2019s solidified, Donorbox has you covered with tools, resources, and support to scale your mission.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/orgs\/new?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=footer-bannerc\" class=\"banner-link\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t  \t\t\t\t\t\t<img src=\"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/seemless-giving-tools.webp\" alt=\"Bottom banner\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fundraising is an obvious, ongoing challenge for nonprofits, and it\u2019s only getting harder. But a close second is having more work to do than hands to accomplish it. Delving into thought leadership may be the solution for both. In this blog, I\u2019ll commiserate with the difficulties, offer a breakdown of the three circles that compose [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":104,"featured_media":118758,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[6404,6428],"class_list":["post-118762","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nonprofit-tips","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.2 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Nonprofit 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Because he believes building community broadens your business and drives your mission.\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\nAs Co-Founder and Chief Connection Officer of Rootstock, Ryan works with founders, leaders, and organizations to develop the authentic positioning, strategic community presence, and consistent thought leadership ecosystems that build trust and compound over time into real opportunity. His approach starts at the core: helping clients find clarity on who they are and what only they can say, then sharing that story with the audiences who need to hear it most.\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\nA co-creator of the Atlanta Marketing Mixer, a member of Conscious Capitalism Atlanta\u2019s Thought Leadership Committee, and an organizer of the Good Energy Coffee Crew, he's spent years building the kinds of professional communities he helps clients cultivate \u2014 because he believes trust, clarity, community, and connections are the most powerful and underutilized tools any leader has that will open doors, deepen relationships, and drive growth. 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