In the nonprofit sector, where sustainability is built on trust before funding, relationships stand out as one of the pillars of institutional success.

This article is translated and edited from a piece published in Forbes magazine on January 22, 2025, one of the leading global magazines in tracking leadership and business trends.

The original piece is issued by the Forbes Nonprofit Council, an international advisory council operated by invitation only, consisting of a select group of CEOs from successful nonprofit organizations. The council aims to share leadership knowledge and experience from the field by publishing exclusive analytical articles on the Forbes platform.

Here are 16 direct professional tips from members of this council, aimed at new workers in the nonprofit sector, especially at the beginning of their careers.

1. Provide Value First

Professional relationships are not built on immediate interests but on the ability to offer support without direct return. Taking the initiative to help, even in small ways, creates a trust reserve that is invaluable. Those who are accustomed to giving first are the most capable of leading long-term relationships with flexibility and intelligence.

Erica Arias – Executive Director of the Los Angeles Police Museum, United States

2. Build Genuine, Not Token Relationships

Effective communication does not mean promoting yourself but engaging sincerely with others. Ask how you can support the other party and truly listen to their needs. With this kind of authenticity, casual acquaintances turn into strategic support networks and become part of a mutual growth ecosystem.

Karen Cochran – CEO of Philanthropy Innovators, United States

3. Leverage Your Leadership Position in Your Organization

Smartly starting to build relationships begins from within the organization. Leaders know well where opportunities lie, and it is essential to identify them. Early communication with your leader about significant events and key individuals boosts your professional position and provides you with valuable practical guidance.

Libbie Sonnier – Executive Director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, United States

4. Identify What You Can Offer

In the world of professional relationships, the most important question is not “What do I need?” but “What can I offer?”. Every successful communication is based on mutual value. When you consider how to benefit the other party, you are laying a solid foundation for a meaningful and sustainable relationship.

Danielle Moss Cox – CEO of Oliver Scholars, United States

5. Engage in Professional Platforms

Joining professional associations enhances your legitimacy and provides opportunities for genuine interaction with peers in the field. By participating in committees and activities, you build a presence that precedes your resume and open doors to real training and partnership opportunities.

Cherian Koshy – CEO of Kindsight, United States

6. Prepare for Every Interaction

Prepping for any networking event increases the likelihood of success. Reviewing the attendee list and reaching out in advance to targeted individuals can transform your presence from passing to impactful. Good communication starts with mental and informational preparation.

Victoria Burkhart – Founder and CEO of The More Than Giving Company, United States

7. Build Trust Through Practice

Trust is built through accumulation, not declarations. Make sure to engage sincerely, be clear about your goals, and participate in collective initiatives that enhance your professional image. Credibility is the cornerstone of any successful relationship.

Kenneth Deans – CEO of Health Sciences South Carolina, United States

8. Seek Peers and Mentors

Professional isolation drains energy. By joining a professional network of your peers and seeking guidance from the experienced, you can confidently overcome beginner challenges and benefit from the experiences of those who came before you.

Kimberly Kindig – CEO of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada, United States

9. Invest in Your Relationships at Work

Relationships formed through collaborative work are deeper and more authentic. Actively participate in projects and open genuine dialogues with those around you, as they will be the ones to support you later in critical phases.

Matt Nash – CEO of Blackbaud Giving Fund, United States

10. Volunteer Where You Believe

Volunteering allows you to build organic relationships within the institutions you respect. It's not just an experience, but a strategic entry point to understand internal dynamics and gain the trust of the working teams.

Nicole Suydam – CEO of Goodwill of Orange County, United States

11. Connect with Those Like You

When you connect with those facing similar challenges to yours, you find practical support and advice rooted in a close reality. This type of relationship shortens the path and spares you much painful experience.

Bruce Maj Pelz – CEO of Maji Safi Group, United States

12. Treat Every Moment as an Opportunity

Every place you go holds the potential for new connections. Events, spontaneous meetings, and even side conversations... all are opportunities to meet people who will make a difference later.

Daniel Pascoe Aguilar – Director of the Social Justice Center at Excelsior University, United States

13. Do Not Underestimate Anyone

Professional relationships are not measured by positions but by intention and respect. Every person you meet could be a gateway to a great opportunity in the future. Always strive to leave a positive impact in every interaction.

Rhonda Vetere – President of Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, United States

14. Be Honest and Realistic

A professional relationship takes time to grow. Do not ask for a recommendation from the first meeting; instead, focus on building a foundation of mutual respect and trust. This is the most effective path to sustainability.

Matthew Gayer – Co-Director of Spur Local, United States

15. Quality First

Do not seek to gather the largest number of names; rather, focus on building strong, quality relationships. Relationships based on trust and genuine exchange surpass any numerical quantity.

Tom Ulbrich – CEO of Goodwill Industries of Western New York, United States

16. Follow Up... and Execute

Following up and fulfilling commitments is what transforms the first meeting into a future partnership. Adherence to schedules and promises and human interactions create the professional reputation that always precedes you.

James Dismond – CEO of MiraSol Health, United States

In Conclusion: Relationships Are Not an Optional Extra

Those who think that relationships are merely a social façade miss out on invaluable opportunities. Strategic relationships in the nonprofit sector are not a luxury but an institutional foundation upon which success and sustainability are built.

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