Fundraising Lessons from Food Bank for NYC

Earlier this week, I attended an excellent fundraiser hosted by the Food Bank For New York City at Three’s Brewing in Gowanus, Brooklyn. This fun after-work event showcased several elements of strong fundraising strategy that are worth spotlighting.

A Partnership That Aligns with Mission

Three’s Brewing has been a corporate partner of the Food Bank for NYC for three years. At this event, they debuted a collaboration beer, Food for Thought, brewed with recovered orange peels. This detail wasn’t just creative- it directly tied back to the Food Bank’s mission of fighting hunger and reducing food waste. It’s a perfect example of how corporate partnerships can go well beyond transactional sponsorships to create memorable, mission-aligned experiences.

Junior Board Leadership

The nonprofit’s junior board hosted the evening, and the board chair delivered a thoughtful speech. She welcomed guests, highlighted the mission, and reinforced the value of the partnership before introducing a staff member from Three’s Brewing. Seeing young leaders speak with confidence on behalf of the organization was a reminder of the power of engaging junior boards in fundraising and stewardship.

Branding and Messaging Everywhere

The event’s branding stood out. The Food Bank recently went through a rebrand, and it was clear they paid attention to detail. From beer cans prominently featuring the logo to napkins that didn’t just show the brand mark but carried mission-driven messaging (“millions of meals provided”), every touchpoint reminded guests why their support mattered.

Engaging Attendees Beyond the Event

Guests left with goodie bags that included a Food Bank hat, a koozie, and a can of Food for Thought. These weren’t just giveaways—they were conversation starters and reminders that extended the event’s reach beyond the brewery.

Community Building

The turnout was strong, with over 100 people enjoying food, desserts, and of course, the signature beer. I caught up with AFP NYC colleagues and former coworkers, and met new members of the Food Bank team. The event was as much about relationship-building as it was about fundraising, reinforcing the importance of creating opportunities for donors and stakeholders to connect.

Conclusion

Food Bank For NYC’s event at Three’s Brewing was a masterclass in weaving together corporate partnership, junior board leadership, strong branding, and thoughtful donor engagement. It was also a really good time, strengthening existing relationships and serving as the foundation for many new relationships as well.  Nonprofits of all sizes can take inspiration from how every detail was designed to connect guests back to the mission.