What if your next great donor doesn’t write a check, but gives their time, skills, or voice instead?

When we think of charitable giving, most people jump straight to dollars. And while financial support matters (a lot!), it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

The truth? People are generous in all kinds of ways.

They give their time.

Their talents.

Their stories.

Their networks.

But when nonprofits focus only on donations, they unintentionally close the door on all these other meaningful contributions. That’s a missed opportunity not just for the organization, but for people who want to be involved and make a difference.

So, how do we widen the lens? Let’s start with the 5Ts of Giving, a more human and inclusive way to think about support.

The 5Ts: A People-First Framework for Engagement

The 5Ts of Charitable Giving help nonprofits recognize and celebrate the full range of ways people show up for the causes they care about. Each “T” reflects a unique form of generosity. Together, they build stronger communities and stronger nonprofits.

When you tap into all five, you:

• Expand your base of support
• Build deeper relationships
• Spark long-term engagement rooted in shared purpose

Here’s what that looks like in action:

1. Time

Time is one of the most generous things someone can give. Whether it’s packing supply kits, mentoring a teen, setting up for an event, or serving on a board, giving time means showing up. It’s hands-on. It’s personal. And it builds trust in ways money can’t.

Pro tip: Make it easy and meaningful to get involved. If you do, people often come back again and again.

2. Treasure

Yes, financial gifts are essential. But not everyone gives in the same way. Some donors give monthly. Others chip in once a year. Some give through their company or leave a legacy in their will. Every dollar matters, and every giver should feel it.

Pro tip: Show appreciation no matter the size of the gift. Gratitude goes a long way toward building loyalty.

3. Talent

Everyone is good at something. When people share their skills with a cause, that’s giving talent. It might be a graphic designer creating a campaign poster, a CPA offering financial advice, or a web developer fixing your donation form.

Pro tip: Ask for help with specific skills. People love to contribute in ways that feel meaningful and aligned with what they do best.

4. Testimony

Stories move people. When someone shares why they care about your mission or how your work changed their life, that’s testimony, and it’s powerful.

A heartfelt quote, a quick video, or even a social media post can spark new interest, inspire donations, and build trust.

Pro tip: Don’t over-script it. Let people speak from the heart and highlight these stories often in your communications.

5. Ties

This is where the magic of connection happens. Supporters may not be major donors, but they may know someone who is. They could open the door to corporate sponsorship, invite you to speak at their workplace, or make a key introduction.

Pro tip: Help supporters understand that who they know can be just as powerful as what they give.

From Donors to Champions

The 5Ts encourage us to shift from asking “Who can give us money?” to asking “Who wants to help, and how can we celebrate that?” 

This approach helps you:

• Broaden your definition of giving
• Build more meaningful supporter relationships
• Create multiple entry points for long-term engagement

And here’s the secret: someone who starts by volunteering or offering their skills often becomes a financial donor later on. You’re not just increasing support. You’re deepening it.

What Can You Do With This?

Here’s your quick-start roadmap:

• Audit your supporter base. Who’s already showing up in ways you’re not tracking or celebrating?
• Train your team. Make sure everyone, from your social media intern to your board chair, understands and champions the 5Ts.
• Create more on-ramps. Not everyone can write a check today, but maybe they can help tomorrow. Offer diverse ways to plug in.
• Tell the full story. Showcase every form of giving in your emails, reports, and events, not just big donations.

Giving Is Bigger Than We Think

A culture of philanthropy isn’t built on dollars alone. It’s built on people and all the generous ways they choose to show up. When you embrace all five Ts of giving, you stop chasing one-time transactions and start cultivating lasting transformation.

And that’s where real impact begins.

Ready to turn supporters into champions?

Strat Labs is here to help you design a 5T engagement strategy that builds deeper relationships and drives lasting impact. Contact us here!