What Punch the Monkey Teaches Us About Belonging and Stewardship

By Stephanie Flores de Valgaz | February 27, 2026

Think of a time when someone made you feel like you didn’t belong. What did that person say or do to elicit that feeling?

Now, think of a time when someone made you feel like you really belonged. What did that person say or do that made you feel that way?

Earlier this week, those questions came to mind when I saw the story of a macaque monkey named Punch and his trusty stuffed orangutan, who have taken the internet by storm. Abandoned by his mother and now seeking to be accepted into a troop, his story has had many ups and downs. Punch has captured the hearts of people around the world, perhaps because his story reflects something universal: a longing for connection and belonging.

During a recent CapDev team conversation about stewardship, I found myself thinking again about Punch’s story and wondering: what if stewardship, at its core, is simply the way we communicate you are seen, you matter, you belong?

So why does stewardship get overlooked so often?

It is easy to get caught up with the checklist of things to do in the day-to-day business of running an organization: meetings, reporting, programs, fundraising goals, and campaign milestones. Yet in the nonprofit world, we must take care to steward the people who make the mission possible. That means supporters, leadership, volunteers, and staff all require thoughtful stewardship.

Stewardship is not just a fundraising task. It is a culture.

In our executive searches, candidates are also observing and asking questions about how an organization stewards their constituents. Strong leaders want to join organizations where people are valued and relationships are tended to with care. They are often listening for signals that stewardship is embedded in the organization’s culture, not just in development practices. They may ask questions like:

How do you recognize excellence within the organization?
How do you recognize volunteers for their commitment to the mission?
What is the stewardship protocol for donors across all giving levels?
What role does the board have in donor stewardship?

Similarly, in our philanthropy and campaign consulting, we encourage organizations to see stewardship as the foundation of sustainable fundraising. A donor’s first gift should not be the start and end of a transaction; it should be the beginning of a relationship. Stewardship is the ongoing practice of helping supporters see the difference their generosity makes and reminding them that they are partners in advancing the mission.

At CapDev, we strive to both teach and model stewardship – from the first gift, to campaign completion, and well beyond the life of any single project. Thoughtful stewardship builds trust, deepens engagement, and strengthens the community that surrounds an organization.

And we have good news! Stewardship does not have to be complicated. Often the most meaningful gestures are the simplest ones – small moments that communicate I thought of you or thank you for being part of this work.

Here are a few simple ways to show supporters, staff, and leaders gratitude and care:

In an increasingly digital world, a handwritten note is a thoughtful treasure.
Make a quick thank-you call with no ask attached. A two-minute call simply to say “we appreciate you” can mean more than a formal report.
Share impact stories that connect supporters directly to the mission they helped advance. People want to see and feel the difference they helped make.
Celebrate milestones and contributions publicly when appropriate, recognizing volunteers, donors, or staff members in meetings, newsletters, or small gatherings.
Invite supporters into the life of the organization. A behind-the-scenes visit, a conversation with program staff, or a simple update from leadership helps people feel connected to the work in a deeper way.

Final Thoughts

At its heart, stewardship is about more than elaborate recognition programs. It is about creating moments where people feel acknowledged and valued.

Because when people feel like they belong, they stay. They give. They serve. And they help the mission move forward.

Need help to implement a stewardship program with fidelity? Reach out to us about a stewardship-focused board training or to explore the other ways we partner with nonprofits all over the Southeast, empowering and emboldening them towards mission excellence.

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