$500 million. That’s how much Rupa Laxmi Shah and team has helped raise for nonprofits globally.
From leading MIT’s global AI initiatives to advising foundations run by world leaders, her work has impacted millions. But her journey didn’t start in boardrooms or billionaire meetings. It started with grit, creativity, and one bold email.
Her Fundraising Secret: It’s Not About Money
When you hear “fundraising,” you might think cold calls, grant proposals, or begging for donations. Rupa sees it differently.
“For me, fundraising is about building relationships—not asking for money. If people believe in your mission and trust you, the money follows.”
Gif by NAHREP on Giphy
This approach helped her scale a nonprofit’s operations from $7M to $28M in just 3 years—a 400% growth.
So, How Did She Do It?
📌 Stay in Their Orbit
Rupa tells the story of emailing a Warner Brothers executive every semester for 3 years before landing an internship.
“You have to be persistent, but in a way that keeps you in their mind without being annoying.”
📌 Solve Problems, Don’t Just Pitch
When she worked with Google on AI literacy programs, her pitch wasn’t “we need funding.” It was “here’s how we can prepare millions of kids worldwide for the future of work—and you can be part of it.”
📌 Follow Up Like a Pro
“One mistake young people make is meeting someone, then disappearing. Even a simple thank-you email or an update keeps the door open for future opportunities.”
What You Can Take Away
💡 Relationships > Transactions
Networking isn’t about “what can I get from this person?” It’s about planting seeds and nurturing them over time.
💡 Think Global, Act Local
Rupa didn’t start with billion-dollar deals. She began by helping local Nepali nonprofits connect with global resources. Start small, but dream big.
💡 Be Relentless (But Kind)
Her mantra? “Be resilient. Be rebellious. Be relentless.” Especially in spaces where you might feel like an outsider.