On 17 March, we were delighted to welcome fundraisers, storytellers, and sector leaders to the Canopi office in London for our 2026 Fundraising: Creators, Partnerships & Letting Go – a morning dedicated to exploring the fast‑evolving world of fundraising storytelling and the growing influence of creators and partnerships on charitable impact.
The Panel:
With Ryan leading the conversation, we explored how creators, communities, and new forms of partnership are transforming the way charities connect with supporters in 2026.
After a period of limited in-person events, it was brilliant to bring back the Fundraising Breakfasts, to be inspired by conversations and knowledge sharing and we thank all those who attended. We extend our appreciation to our speakers for sharing their wisdom and showcasing the power of collaboration. By understanding how to create purposeful partnerships, organisations can cultivate thriving relationships that amplify their impact and drive positive change.
Authenticity Through Community, Not Control
Jennie highlighted a powerful shift: authenticity is now defined by audiences, not organisations. Creators bring lived experience, identity, and trust — elements that charities can’t replicate through traditional messaging. Working with them means embracing openness and flexibility.
WaterAid’s extraordinary collaboration with MrBeast, #TeamWater, demonstrated a brilliant example when thinking about scale and potential. The campaign:
- Mobilised 10,000 creators
- Reached 1.1 to 3 billion people
- Raised $41.2 million for clean water projects
What struck us wasn’t just the scale, but what made that scale possible. Jennie explained the campaign’s success stemmed from creators joining because he asked, reflecting how community credibility and cultural momentum now shape impact. MrBeast provided reach; WaterAid provided expertise and trust — a clarity of roles that made the partnership work.
Building on this shift toward creator‑led storytelling, Ranjeet offered a perspective grounded in youth culture and digital participation, highlighting how younger audiences increasingly expect to be participants in storytelling rather than passive recipients. She encouraged charities to immerse themselves in the digital spaces where narrative, creativity, and community intertwine, and to approach these environments with curiosity rather than control.
She pointed to emerging, community‑driven stories, including creators like Mr Dot, a blind Braille artist preparing to run a marathon for Fight for Sight using accessible tech, as examples of how authenticity, technology, and lived experience can come together to inspire supporters.
The takeaway was clear: creators are not distribution channels but community conveners. For charities, stepping into this world means adopting agility, experimenting with co‑creation, and a willingness to let supporters shape the story alongside them.
A Future Built on Collaboration
As we wrapped up the morning, one theme resonated: the sector is evolving quickly, but with huge opportunity. Charities that embrace creator‑led culture, with confidence, openness, and a willingness to adapt, will be best placed to build deeper, more meaningful relationships with their audiences.
At Prospectus, we’re committed to convening conversations that help the sector navigate these shifts together. Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed, and shared reflections. We also thank our friends at Canopi for being our brilliant hosts!
How Prospectus Can Support Your Fundraising Growth
If you’re expanding your fundraising team, strengthening leadership, or building capability for creator‑led, community‑driven fundraising, our specialist Fundraising Recruitment team is here to help.
Whether you’re hiring your next Head of Fundraising, developing digital capacity, or seeking interim expertise, we’d love to support your next step. Get in touch with our team to start the conversation.
