Beyond the Ask: Building Donor Relationships Rooted in Authentic Connection

with Hillary Ryan, WithIn Reach

In today’s noisy fundraising landscape, authenticity and connection matter more than ever. This session explores how nonprofits can move beyond transactional giving campaigns to create donor relationships that are deeply rooted in trust, mission, and shared purpose. Drawing from her work leading integrated fundraising and communications strategies at WithinReach, the College Success Foundation, and multiple cultural institutions, Hillary Ryan, APR, will share how thoughtful storytelling, transparent impact reporting, and consistent engagement can transform donor relationships into long-term partnerships. Participants will learn how to weave together fundraising and communications strategies to inspire giving, build loyalty, and strengthen community connection.Attendees will leave with practical tools and real-world examples they can immediately apply—whether their organization is large or small—to elevate donor engagement, deepen relationships, and sustain fundraising success.This session focuses on how authentic donor relationships—rooted in shared values and mutual trust—build stronger, more resilient nonprofits. When organizations cultivate donors as true partners rather than funders, they strengthen the ecosystem of community support that allows missions to thrive through change and growth.

Speaker

Hillary Ryan, APR (she/her) | Director of Development & Communications, WithinReach

Hillary Ryan, APR, is a narrative strategist, campaign creator, and nonprofit leader with more than two decades of experience helping mission-driven organizations thrive. As the Director of Development & Communications at WithinReach, Hillary leads integrated fundraising and marketing/communications strategies that connect community impact directly to donor generosity—growing engagement, boosting retention, and turning compelling stories into measurable outcomes.

Whether navigating statewide educational access campaigns or uniting regional arts and cultural networks, Hillary believes the most effective fundraising is collaborative, equity-centered, and rooted in authentic relationships. Grounded in a strong background in strategic communications, she specializes in breaking down organizational silos to align messaging, campaign strategy, and donor stewardship. When she isn’t advocating for community care or mentoring emerging PR professionals, Hillary remains actively engaged in supporting local arts and community initiatives across the Pacific Northwest.