Community-Based Fundraising: Building Sustainable Support Through Local Engagement

Community-based fundraising has become a crucial strategy for non-profit organizations striving to achieve financial sustainability and community ownership. In regions where traditional donor-based models are insufficient, local engagement provides both material resources and relational strength. This article situates community-based fundraising within the frameworks of participatory development and social capital, demonstrating how localized practices enhance trust, donor loyalty, and social cohesion. Drawing on theory, practice, and a rural health case study, the article explores how community events, peer-to-peer campaigns, local business partnerships, and volunteer mobilization transform fundraising into a vehicle for resilience and empowerment. It concludes that community-based approaches are not only viable fundraising strategies but also pathways toward long-term, community-driven development.