Dancing for a Cause: How Zumba can inspire your Major Donor Fundraising
Don’t panic, this blog isn’t suggesting that successful Major Donor Fundraisers need to add “Zumba” to their skillset. However a recent two hour charity Zumbathon got me thinking about the similarities between Zumba and Major Donor Fundraising.
Firstly, both activities prioritise relationships & engagement over transactions. Zumba is not just exercise, it creates an energetic community where participants feel seen and valued. This is the aim for Major Gift fundraising, they aren't about one time asks, they are about building genuine long term relationships.
In both fundraising and Zumba, energy & enthusiasm matter. The instructor's energy motivates people to stay engaged and a fundraiser's passion inspires donors to give and stay committed. To see results both activities require consistency & commitment. Both activities regular everyone involved to engage regularly and practise, well formed and consistant actions.
Listening is key with Zumba and Major Donor Fundraising. When I stopped listening to the beat at the Zumbathon, I found myself dropping steps and getting distracted. The same goes for working with prospects or repeat donors. Listening to their motivations, interests and timings and working with their rhythm always leads to securing a gift. When I’ve got distracted by other people’s agendas or ignored a donor’s requirements, I’ve been less successful.
It sometimes gets forgotten but a warm up is essential. If you jump into a high intensity sport like Zumba without loosening up muscles and joints, you might struggle to get through the session or worse injure yourself. With Major Donor Fundraising, you can jump straight to the ask – you need to and you need to warm up the relationship with the individual and after a gift offer a heartfelt you thank and stewardship options.
Major Donor Fundraising and Zumba are about creating joy and shared purpose. Both donors and Zumba participants come back because the get a sense of joy, a shared social activity and feel uplifted.
Finally, everyone moves at their own pace. Some Zumba participants go all in. Others modify moves. Some donors give quickly, others take years to feel ready to give, but all are part of a philanthropic journey.
My biggest takeaway:
Both require authentic connection, rhythm and persistence - and when done well, both leave everyone feeling uplifted and part of something bigger than themselves.
Hannah Shepherd is a dynamic, experienced Philanthropy Team Manager and Leader, who loves to inspire, coach and celebrate her team meeting and exceeding targets. She joined Money Tree Fundraising in April 2025 and is our lead consultant for all things High Value, from major donors to capital appeals and all of the detail in between!
Hannah hosts our free major donor Q&A sessions, and delivers our live online training too. Check out our upcoming events here: