How to Build Community for Social Impact
Strategies to foster authentic engagement, trust, and connection in nonprofit spaces
In a world where connection often feels fleeting or purely transactional, social purpose organizations have a unique opportunity — and responsibility — to build authentic, values-driven communities. During this session in our 10 Things Series, we welcomed Tasha Van Vlack, co-founder of The Nonprofit Hive, to break down the essentials of community building for nonprofits and social enterprises.
With years of experience fostering collaborative spaces, Tasha shared how organizations can move beyond surface-level interactions and foster genuine belonging, trust, and engagement — both online and offline.
Top Takeaways
10 Things Social Purpose Organizations Need to Know About Building Community
1. Define Your Community’s Purpose
Before you build anything, get clear on why your community exists. Who is it for, and what is it trying to accomplish? Purpose is your North Star — it aligns members and keeps engagement meaningful.
Ask: Are we building this for us, for them, or both?
Be clear about your values and the purpose that will drive engagement.
2. Authentic Engagement Over Broadcast Messaging
Community is not the same as an audience. It’s about two-way dialogue, not broadcasting. True engagement means showing up as real people and creating opportunities for members to interact with each other — not just your organization.
Consistency is key, even if it’s light touchpoints.
Ask: Are we creating space for vulnerability? Do we engage consistently or only when we need something?
3. Build Social Capital Through Weak Ties
Communities thrive when members connect with each other, not just with your organization. Encourage introductions and peer-to-peer relationships to build social capital and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Ask: Are we fostering relationships beyond our immediate circle?
4. Leverage Micro-Influencers Within Your Network
You don’t need celebrities — you need trusted voices in your sector who align with your values and can amplify your message authentically.
Highlight champions within your existing network.
Encourage storytelling and social media advocacy from passionate members.
5. Prioritize Consistency and Momentum
Sporadic bursts of activity won’t cut it. Sustainable community building requires regular presence, consistent messaging, and thoughtful touchpoints that add value for members.
Ask: Is our engagement continuous or transactional? How do we measure and maintain momentum?
6. Balance Transactional and Relational Interactions
Don’t only reach out when you need something (like donations or survey responses). Create regular value-adding touchpoints to nurture the relationship.
Ask: Do our touchpoints add value to the community, or just to us?
7. Overcome Internal and External Resistance to Change
Building a community is a culture shift, both internally and externally. Be prepared to educate staff, manage expectations, and actively invite your community into the co-creation process.
Ask: Do we have the right internal champions? Are we fostering community ownership among members?
8. Foster Psychological Safety and Belonging
A strong community is a brave space, not just a safe space. Members should feel comfortable sharing differing views while being aligned on core values. Inclusivity requires intentional ongoing action — not just statements.
Ask: Who feels comfortable speaking up and who stays silent? How can we change that?
9. Use Data, Feedback Loops, and Measurement Tools
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Track participation, feedback, and qualitative indicators like stories and member-led initiatives to gauge health and momentum.
Ask: Are we measuring what matters to our community, not just what matters to us?
10. Adapt and Evolve with Your Community
Community building is not a one-and-done project. As your organization evolves, so will your community’s needs, leaders, and priorities. Stay flexible and listen closely to emerging voices.
Ask: Do we have a system to identify and support emerging leaders?
Your questions, answered.
How do you turn an audience into a community?
An audience is passive, consuming your content. A community is interactive, with members engaging, contributing, and supporting each other. Transitioning requires shifting from one-way broadcasts to interactive dialogue, inviting participation, and providing clear ways for members to connect with each other — not just your organization.
What should we avoid to maintain authenticity?
Avoid jargon and assumptions that everyone knows your work inside-out. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t have all the answers — authenticity comes from honesty and vulnerability. Automated or overly polished responses can erode trust.
How can small organizations build community with limited resources?
Start small, set realistic expectations, and leverage champions outside your organization. Test the waters with simple touchpoints before scaling up. Collaboration with aligned partners can also help share the workload.
Should we charge for community access?
Introducing fees can reduce participation but increase commitment from those who remain. It’s critical to weigh the trade-off between accessibility and exclusivity, especially in the nonprofit space. A paid membership may make sense for a tightly defined audience, but it will limit reach.
How do we build communities around values like human rights and inclusion?
Prioritize alignment over acceptance — not everyone needs to agree on every detail, but they should be aligned with your core purpose and values. Creating space for differing experiences is essential, especially when working across diverse communities.
How do you rebuild trust if you inherit a disengaged or distrustful community?
Start by acknowledging the past openly. Co-create the future with community members, inviting them to share their dreams and priorities. Show up consistently, listen deeply, and demonstrate responsiveness.
What non-Meta platforms can support community building?
Consider alternatives like:
Slack (for professional or project-based communities)
Mighty Networks or Circle (for branded community spaces)
Discourse (for discussion forums)
The Nonprofit Hive’s own platform (for sector-specific community building)
Don’t overlook email and LinkedIn, especially for professional or cause-driven networks.
Recommended Resources
The Nonprofit Hive – nonprofithive.com
While you’re there, feel free to read Daniel’s article on The Nonprofit Hive about Sharing Even When It’s Uncomfortable: Thought Leadership for Nonprofit Leaders.
Trust-Based Philanthropy Project – trustbasedphilanthropy.org
Weak Ties Theory – Granovetter’s Research on Social Networks
Mighty Networks – mightynetworks.com
Circle – circle.so
Discourse – www.discourse.org
What’s next?
Building an engaged, inclusive community is not a project — it’s a process. It’s about making space for people to bring their whole selves, co-creating value, and sharing leadership. Whether online, in person, or somewhere in between, community building is one of the most valuable investments a social purpose organization can make.
For the full recording and additional resources, join our membership.
