As the end of the year approaches, many nonprofits ramp up their fundraising efforts. And while board members can be some of the biggest advocates and supporters of your organization, they may not always be clear on how they can best help during this critical time.
Here are six ways to get your board members involved in your year-end fundraising efforts:
1. Create a Match Campaign
There are a lot of ways to get your board involved in your year-end fundraising efforts, but one of the most impactful is to create a match campaign. A match campaign is an excellent way to motivate donors, since their gifts will be doubled (or tripled, or even quadrupled!) thanks to the generosity of your board members. Plus, it sends a strong message of commitment and buy-in from your board members that will resonate with potential donors. So if you’re looking for a way to make a big impact this giving season, consider involving your board in a match campaign!
There are two types of matches, depending on if funds are at risk. If you receive a gift and the donor explains that they want to use the gift to motivate others to give but you’ll receive the funds no matter what, it’s a challenge. If the donor tells you the funds are at risk and you’ll only receive the matching amount, it’s a match.
2. Ask for a Donor Testimonial
As the end of the year approaches, you may be looking for ways to get your board more involved in your fundraising efforts. One great way to do this is to ask them to participate in a video donor testimonial. This can be a powerful tool to help engage potential donors and raise funds for your organization. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Identify your board members who are most passionate about your cause. These are the individuals who will be most likely to speak from the heart and connect with potential donors.
- Ask each board member to record a short video (1-2 minutes) thanking a specific donor for their support. Be sure to have each board member mention why they are involved with your organization and what it means to them personally.
- Upload the videos to YouTube or another video sharing site and send the link out to your email list, post on social media, and include on your website or blog.
- Follow up with each board member after the videos have been shared to thank them for their participation and get their feedback.
By involving your board in this way, you will not only engage them more deeply in your fundraising efforts, but you will also create a powerful tool that can help you reach your year-end fundraising goals.
3. Ask for Hosts for Holiday Fundraising Events
This is a great way to get Board members involved while also raising money for your cause. Have each Board member host their own holiday fundraiser, and set a goal for how much each one should raise. This will not only help you reach your year-end fundraising goal, but it will also get Board members more engaged with your organization.
Be upfront about what you need from your board members and what they can expect from hosting an event. Whether it’s a holiday party, a gala, or a simple cocktail reception, make sure they know what’s expected of them and what their role will be in making the event a success.
No one wants to be bogged down with planning a complicated event. Keep things straightforward by booking a venue that’s easy to work with and doesn’t require a lot of logistical coordination. And, when it comes to food and drink, stick to basics that won’t break the bank.
Make it fun! Getting your board members excited about hosting an event will go a long way in making sure the event is successful. Make sure to promote the event as an opportunity for them to network and have fun while doing something good for the organization.
Follow up and say thanks! After all the hard work your board members put into making the event happen, make sure to properly thank them for their efforts. A handwritten note or small gift is always appreciated and shows that you truly value their help in making your year-end fundraising goals a reality.
4. Help Them See the Impact
It’s also important to help your board members see the impact of their involvement in your year-end fundraising efforts. Show them how their contributions are making a difference and help them understand how their involvement is helping you reach your goals. This will not only make them more likely to continue supporting your efforts, but it will also help motivate them to do even more.
Year-end Giving is an important time for many nonprofits as it can provide much-needed funding to help sustain operations or fund special projects. Be sure to communicate this to your board members and explain how their support can make a difference. Sharing stories of how past year-end gifts have helped your organization achieve its goals is also a great way to engage them emotionally and get them on board with your campaign.
5. Ask for Help with Prospect Research
One way to get your board involved is by asking them to help with prospect research. Prospect research is the process of identifying and evaluating potential donors who are most likely to make a gift to your organization. This can be a time-consuming process, but your board members can be a big help in identifying potential prospects and gathering information about them.
Additionally, ask board members to utilize their networks. Ask them to reach out to their personal contacts and explain why supporting your organization is important. This not only raises awareness about your cause but also generates buy-in from those closest to your board members, which can be invaluable when it comes time to ask for financial contributions.
6. Participate in a Peer-to-Peer Event
A peer-to-peer fundraising campaign is an excellent way to involve your board members and get them excited about supporting your cause. Create a fundraising page for each board member and ask them to share it with their network of family and friends. Some peer-to-peer platforms even allow board members to set up teams so they can compete against each other to see who can raise the most money!
The first step is to make a case for why participation is important. Not only will their involvement help you reach your goals, but it will also benefit the organization as a whole. Help them see how their participation will make a difference.
Be clear about what you need from them and when you need it. Giving them a timeline and specific tasks will help them be more successful in their role. And be sure to thank them along the way!
Every board member has unique skills and passions that they can bring to the table. Utilize those talents to engage them in the campaign in a way that is meaningful to them. For example, if they’re great at writing, have them help with crafting email appeals or social media posts.
You’ll get more buy-in if you make it easy for board members to participate. If they’re busy with work and family commitments, consider holding virtual meetings or making materials available online. And remember to keep communication channels open so they can easily ask questions or provide feedback.
One of the best ways to engage board members is to create a sense of camaraderie among the group. This can be done by celebrating milestones together, sharing stories of impact, or simply showing appreciation for their hard work. When everyone is working together towards a common goal, it’s easy to stay motivated and engaged.
Finally, remind everyone why their efforts are so important—because lives are being changed as a result of your work! When fundraisers are feeling burnt out or discouraged, it’s helpful to remember the people you’re helping and why the mission is so important. Focusing on the impact you’re making will help everyone stay engaged until the very end.
As the end of the year approaches, now is the time to start thinking about how you can best utilize your board members to help with your fundraising efforts. By involving them in tasks such as soliciting major gifts, serving as ambassadors for your organization, and participating in peer-to-peer fundraising events, you’ll be able to more effectively reach your year-end fundraising goals.
