--- title: "Chorus Leaders: Your Biggest Asset is Right In Front of You" description: Learn how building meaningful relationships with your chorus members can open doors to new donors, community partnerships, and philanthropic opportunities. image: https://blog.chorusconnection.com/hubfs/chorus-connection-spider-web.jpg --- - [About](https://www.chorusconnection.com/about) - [Features](https://www.chorusconnection.com/features) - [Pricing](https://www.chorusconnection.com/pricing) [![Chorus Connection](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/hubfs/Chorus_April2019%20Theme/image/download.png)](https://www.chorusconnection.com) - [Blog](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/) - [Login](https://app.chorusconnection.com/sign_in) - [Book a Demo](https://pages.chorusconnection.com/request-a-demo) [![Chorus Connection](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/hubfs/Chorus_April2019%20Theme/image/download.png)](https://www.chorusconnection.com) - [About](https://www.chorusconnection.com/about) - [Features](https://www.chorusconnection.com/features) - [Pricing](https://www.chorusconnection.com/pricing) - [Blog](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/) - [Login](https://app.chorusconnection.com/sign_in) - [Book a Demo](https://pages.chorusconnection.com/request-a-demo) # Chorus Leaders: Your Biggest Asset is Right In Front of You [Anne-Marie Bulawka](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/author/anne-marie-bulawka) Oct 29, 2026 Learn more: [fundraising](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/topic/fundraising) ![close up spiderweb with dew drops and a blurred brown background](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/hs-fs/hubfs/chorus-connection-spider-web.jpg?width=700&height=394&name=chorus-connection-spider-web.jpg)   **Building organizational and philanthropic success is much like weaving a web.** It takes time, patience, diligence, and an understanding that one connection can lead to many more — growing your organization’s network of support — and thus, the size of your web. Why does this matter? A larger web of community and philanthropic supporters is key to any non-profit choir’s long-term sustainability. And for chorus leaders, your biggest resource for building this web is right in front of you! I once worked with a donor family who was passionate about our organization. The family was high-profile and very connected within the community. They were protective of those connections, so it took time to gain trust and talk further about how they saw their involvement and support of the organization. It was only then that we could begin to discuss the various contacts they had and what avenues might be the best to pursue. During these conversations, cultivation activities were also happening …an invitation to the donor family to join a Leadership Council, events offering meaningful connection to the organization, and stewardship opportunities with the organization’s leadership. Slowly, introductions were made. Years later, looking back, it was incredible to see how many new fruitful relationships resulted from the many conversations and interactions with the family. The lesson learned from this experience? **The only way the web can be built is if you take the time to get to know those around you.** In choral organizations, the most valuable resource to help build our web is literally right in front of us—our singers!   ![three small paper cutout people held in cupped hands of a blurred person in a blue shirt in the background](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/hs-fs/hubfs/chorus-connection-paper-cutout-people-held-in-cupped-hands.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&name=chorus-connection-paper-cutout-people-held-in-cupped-hands.jpg)   ## **Why are Singers so Important to Building our Web?** ### **PERSONAL INVESTMENT** Our chorus members are personally invested in the organization. They dedicate their time, talents, and passion for music, and because they are touched personally by their involvement, they can easily verbalize the mission and have a meaningful story/testimonial to share. They are an authentic piece of what makes the organization what it is.  ### **COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS** Chorus members also have community connections. Whether as a professional musician or a member who chooses to keep music as a lifetime hobby in their lives - each chorus member has a network of colleagues, friends, and family who know of your chorus members’ interests and passions. ### **TOP PHILANTHROPIC PROSPECTS** Chorus members contribute to and experience the mission of the organization in a very personal and meaningful way, which often results in them making philanthropic gifts. As donors, they showcase to their fellow singers and the greater community of supporters that investing in the organization is a way of saying thank you as well as a way to impact the current needs and future vitality of the organization.   ## **How do you Begin Building Your Web?** ### **START A CONVERSATION** Simply start a conversation. Chorus members appreciate being seen and recognized that they bring value to your organization. Ask their story and genuinely listen to their musical, personal and professional journey in life. A conversation opens the door and strengthens bonds, and it also provides some great intel to digest and use for strategy later on. ### **GET TO KNOW YOUR MEMBERS** The goal is to get to know each singer in a meaningful way. Here are some sample questions to ask and information to take away: - How does the chorus member feel about the organization? - What has being a part of the choir meant to them? - How is the chorus member involved in their community? In their profession? - What other organizations do they belong to? - Do they serve on the board of other organizations? - Are they connected to a family foundation? - Do they have corporate connections? - Do they have professional experience in areas that could benefit your organization? - Are there philanthropically minded arts enthusiasts in their network? Have they invited those people to concerts?   ![smiling happy woman with a red cape cheering with her arms up in a strong pose against a yellow background](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/hs-fs/hubfs/chorus-connection-woman-with-cape-smiling-and-cheering.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&name=chorus-connection-woman-with-cape-smiling-and-cheering.jpg)   ### **IDENTIFY YOUR SINGERS’ SUPERPOWERS** Take what you have learned and identify each chorus member’s superpowers**.** Are they a connector in the community? A storyteller? A strategist? A philanthropist? A leader? Or maybe they have a combination of many traits. Keep a log or notes from these conversations, as the right way to utilize their connections, talents or superpowers might not be immediately.   ## **Begin Weaving Your Web** This is truly the fun part as this is when the web is actively forming. Now that you have had these very valuable conversations with your singers, you can begin weaving your web. The key is to match your singers’ connections to the right project or problem to be solved. Let me provide you with a few examples.   ### **Example #1** Perhaps your choral organization wants to start an educational outreach program with the local school district. You can utilize chorus members that are teachers or administrators within the district to get insider knowledge on how to structure the program. These members can also make introductions to key personnel to help turn the idea into reality. You may have another chorus member who is (or has friends who are) philanthropically passionate about music education and would be interested in funding the program. Maybe you identified another chorus member who is a talented filmmaker or photographer and can help take photos or video clips of the program to help promote the new program in the community. ### **Example #2** Through your conversations, maybe you identified a chorus member who has a leadership role at a local corporation and part of the corporation’s community outreach is to provide funds to community and arts programs. That chorus member can help with a warm introduction to a member of the community relations department. Hopefully you will also discover the corporation also has a matching gift program — or they have access to corporate philanthropic funds that they can designate. ### **Example #3** You have a chorus member who has served on several non-profit boards in your community. They could bring that expertise to your own board as a board member and help the chorus organization develop. They also may have connections with other local philanthropists and could invite those individuals to a performance or an event and make a warm introduction to the organization.   ![white ceramic heart shaped ornament that says i am grateful in black typewriter font laying on a wood plank surface](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/hs-fs/hubfs/chorus-connection-i-am-grateful.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&name=chorus-connection-i-am-grateful.jpg)   ## **Don’t Forget To Say Thank You!** ### **Lastly and most importantly…** When you utilize the talents and treasures of your chorus members, make sure to show genuine gratitude and say thank you. Follow-up with them on successes that occurred as a result of their connections. Share with others in the organization about these wins and the individuals who helped make them happen. Sharing these examples can inspire others to step up and do the same. By following these steps and engaging in meaningful conversations with your chorus members, I guarantee you that your web will grow! Do you have examples of how you have utilized your chorus members’ connections to help the organization and/or your philanthropic program? If you have, we’d love to hear your story and ideas! It’s great to have a community to learn from, so please share in the comments below!   ## [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1860171/f9d3fb88-6947-4fbd-8454-03e1748c7b7c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1860171/f9d3fb88-6947-4fbd-8454-03e1748c7b7c) ![Anne-Marie Bulawka](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/hubfs/CHLA-Anne-Marie-Bulawka%20%202%20copy.jpeg) Anne-Marie Bulawka is co-founder of the non-profit consulting firm AM/DM Philanthropy Partners based in San Diego. Guiding clients throughout Southern California, the firm specializes in fundraising program growth, campaign planning and execution and leadership/organizational development.  Anne-Marie’s career started at Universal Pictures in publicity, but with a life-long passion of singing and music - made a move to LA Opera and fell into a career of fundraising and events.  For over 20-years her non-profit work expanded to also include Children’s Hospital LA, Sycamores (Los Angeles based behavioral health and child welfare agency) and also Mayfield Junior School (a Pasadena independent, catholic school). Outside of work Anne-Marie enjoys travel, going to concerts, cooking and gathering with friends for dinner parties! She is privileged to sing with the San Diego Master Chorale and serves on their board fundraising committee. Passionate about volunteering locally, Anne-Marie and her teenage daughter are also a part of the Poway Chapter of National Charity League. Please connect with Anne-Marie at ambulawka@amdmphilanthropy.com. [Anne-Marie Bulawka](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/author/anne-marie-bulawka) Share this article [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20new%20post%20from%20Chorus%20Connection:%20Chorus%20Leaders:%20Your%20Biggest%20Asset%20is%20Right%20In%20Front%20of%20You&body=https://blog.chorusconnection.com/chorus-leaders-your-biggest-asset-is-right-in-front-of-you](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20new%20post%20from%20Chorus%20Connection:%20Chorus%20Leaders:%20Your%20Biggest%20Asset%20is%20Right%20In%20Front%20of%20You&body=https://blog.chorusconnection.com/chorus-leaders-your-biggest-asset-is-right-in-front-of-you) Older Post [Using AI to Help Run Your Choir](https://blog.chorusconnection.com/using-ai-to-help-run-your-choir) ## **Chorus Management Resources** - [What is Choir Management Software?](http://chorusconnection.com/what-is-choir-management-software) - [Ticket Sales Strategies for Choruses](https://www.chorusconnection.com/chorus-management-101-sell-more-tickets) - [Fundraising Strategies for Choruses](https://www.chorusconnection.com/chorus-management-101-fundraising-for-choruses) - [The Ultimate Guide to Singer Recruitment](https://pages.chorusconnection.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-singer-recruitment) - [Volunteer Handbook for Community Choruses](https://pages.chorusconnection.com/the-volunteer-handbook-for-community-choruses?__hstc=21858660.c48cd284471f2fc781b85ec7cd6920fb.1554964062887.1554964062887.1554964062887.1&__hssc=21858660.3.1554964062885&__hsfp=2151446153) - [Share Your Chorus Management Stories](https://www.chorusconnection.com/share-your-chorus-management-success-story) ## **Get in Touch** - [Login](https://app.chorusconnection.com/sign_in) - [Book a Demo](https://pages.chorusconnection.com/request-a-demo) - [Sign Up for a Free Trial](https://www.chorusconnection.com/free-trial) - [Customer Success Stories](https://www.chorusconnection.com/customer-success-stories) - [Help Center](https://help.chorusconnection.com) - [Contact](https://www.chorusconnection.com/contact-us) ## **Policies & FAQs** - [FAQs](https://www.chorusconnection.com/chorus-connection-faqs) - [Terms of Service](https://www.chorusconnection.com/terms-of-service) - [Ticket Purchaser Terms of Service](https://www.chorusconnection.com/ticket-purchaser-terms-of-service) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.chorusconnection.com/privacy-policy) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.chorusconnection.com/cookie-policy) - [Jobs](https://www.chorusconnection.com/join-our-team) Copyright © 2026 Chorus Connection. 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