Ownership is a big word in fund raising. You invested your money in the work, and something is happening. It is the partnership of the NPO and the community. The one thing that advocates get to show often is their passion for the cause. Believing that your long hours will ultimately make a difference is a very convincing argument.
People do give to people.
And, make sure that they have been overtly asked to join the organization. Get into the classrooms, at all levels, with your message. Ditto for clubs, trade groups, whatever. Get human interest articles, etc., into local newspapers. Stand up and say who you are, what your organization is and does, and volunteer for some of their active viable committees.