One of the most important roles of a nonprofit board is to help raise money for the organization. Yet many boards are nervous about fundraising or unsure of how to get started.
An effective board can be a powerful tool in your fundraising arsenal, but only if they’re properly engaged. Here are nine ways to involve your board in fundraising and maximize their potential:
1. Create a culture of philanthropy.
The heart of every nonprofit organization is its mission. To achieve their missions, nonprofits rely on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations who share their commitment to making a difference in the world. One of the most important groups of supporters for any nonprofit is its board of directors.
A thriving culture of philanthropy among board members is critical to the success of any nonprofit. Unfortunately, many boards are not as philanthropic as they could be. In fact, a recent study by BoardSource found that only 26% of respondents said their boards were highly engaged in fundraising. This lack of engagement can have a major impact on an organization’s ability to raise the resources it needs to fulfill its mission.
So how can nonprofit leaders create a culture of philanthropy among their board members?
The first step is to build strong relationships with board members. This starts with ensuring that each member understands the importance of philanthropy to the organization and its ability to achieve its mission. It is also crucial to provide opportunities for board members to get involved in fundraising activities so they can see firsthand how their efforts make a difference.
The second step is to provide board members with the resources they need to be successful fundraisers. This includes access to information about the organization’s programs and impact, as well as data about potential donors. Board members should also be given training on best practices for soliciting gifts and stewardship strategies for maintaining donor relationships.
The third step is to recognize and celebrate board member philanthropy. This can be done through public recognition at events and in newsletters or other publications. You can also consider creating special recognition programs for board members who go above and beyond in their fundraising efforts.
Finally, it is important to regularly communicate with board members about the impact of their fundraising efforts. Sharing stories about how donations have made a difference in the lives of those served by the organization can help instill a sense of pride and ownership among board members. You should also provide data on fundraising progress so board members can see how their efforts are contributing to the overall success of the organization.
2. Educate your board about fundraising.
Nonprofit organizations rely on the generosity of donors to fund their operations. This means that fundraising is an essential part of running a successful nonprofit. However, many board members of nonprofits do not have experience with fundraising. As a result, it falls on the shoulders of the nonprofit leader to educate the board about fundraising and how it works.
Why Fundraising is Important
The first step in educating your board about fundraising is to explain why it is important. Fundraising is essential for nonprofits because it provides the funding necessary to keep the organization running. Nonprofits cannot function without money, and so fundraising is essential to the success of the organization.
It’s not enough for board members to simply understand how donations are made; they also need to understand how to cultivate relationships with potential donors. This means educating them about prospect research, stewardship, and donor communications. By teaching your board members about best practices in donor relations, you’ll set them up for success when it comes time to solicit donations.
Your board members may be familiar with the concept of philanthropy, but do they really understand its importance in society? It’s important for board members to understand that philanthropy is more than just writing a check; it’s about making a positive impact on the world around us. When you help your board members see philanthropy through this lens, they’ll be more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic when it comes time to fundraise.
3. Develop a fundraising plan.
A well-thought-out fundraising plan will make it easier for your board members to get involved in the process because they’ll know what’s expected of them and how their efforts fit into the bigger picture. The plan should include specific goals and strategies for soliciting donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. It should also lay out a timeline for solicitation and identify who on the board will be responsible for each task.
4. Delegate tasks according to interests and skills.
Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to start delegating tasks to your board members. When assigning tasks, be sure to take into account each member’s interests and skillset. For example, if you have a board member who’s an experienced salesperson, they might be better suited for soliciting corporate sponsorships than someone who’s shy or not as comfortable asking people for money. The key is to match each board member with tasks that they’re likely to succeed at so they feel empowered and motivated to help with the fundraising process.
5. Set expectations and provide feedback.
It’s important to set the tone early on by making it clear that fundraising is a priority for the board and that everyone is expected to play a role. One way to do this is to include a section on fundraising in your board orientation materials.
It’s important to set clear expectations with your board members regarding their involvement in fundraising activities. Otherwise, you run the risk of frustrating them (and yourself) when they don’t live up to your expectations. Once you’ve delegated tasks and set expectations, provide regular feedback so board members know how they’re doing and where they need improvement. This will help them feel more invested in the process and ensure that they’re meeting (or even exceeding) your expectations .
6. Utilize board members’ connections.
Board members likely have a wide network of acquaintances, many of whom would be interested in supporting your organization financially. Provide board members with talking points and information about your organization so they can make these connections on your behalf.
Tip #1: Have a plan.
Before reaching out to your board members’ contacts, you need to have a plan in place. What is your fundraising goal? Who is your target audience? What kind of donations are you looking for? Once you have answers to these questions, you can develop a strategy for approaching potential donors.
Tip #2: Identify the right contacts.
Not all of your board members’ contacts will be interested in or able to donate to your cause. You need to take the time to identify the ones who are most likely to be receptive to your request. This might require some research on their interests and backgrounds.
Tip #3: Make the ask.
Once you’ve identified the right contacts, it’s time to make the ask. This can be done through personal visits, phone calls, emails, or even social media messages. The key is to be clear about what you’re asking for and why it’s important. Be sure to thank them in advance for their consideration.
Tip #4: Follow up.
After making the ask, be sure to follow up with the donor to thank them for their contribution and update them on how their donation is being used. This helps build relationships with donors and ensures that they’ll be more likely to give again in the future.
Utilizing your board members’ connections is a great way to increase your fundraising efforts. By following these tips, you can make the most of these relationships and bring in much-needed donations for your cause.
7. Ask for help.
Board members are there to help, so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it. This could come in the form of making introductions, offering advice, or providing financial support. Remember, they’re invested in your success!
So how do you ask your board members for help with fundraising in a way that ensures they’re both willing and able to provide assistance? Below are a few tips.
Tip #1: Define the ask.
Before you approach any of your board members about helping with fundraising, you need to have a clear idea of what you’re asking for. Do you need help reaching out to potential donors? putting together a fundraising event? developing a fundraising strategy? Once you’ve defined the ask, you can start to identify which board members might be best suited to help.
Tip #2: Make a case for why their help is needed.
Remember, your board members are busy people with their own commitments and priorities. So it’s important to make a case for why their help is needed in order for your fundraising efforts to be successful. Explain how their unique skills and experience can be put to good use in support of your cause. And be sure to emphasize how much their help is appreciated.
Tip #3: Lays out expectations clearly.
Once you’ve secured a commitment from a board member (or multiple board members) to help with fundraising, it’s important to lay out expectations clearly from the outset. What kind of tasks do you need them to take on? How much time will be required? What’s the deadline for completing the tasks? Answering these questions upfront will prevent misunderstandings and frustration later on down the line.
8. Be transparent.
Be open and honest about both the successes and challenges of your fundraising efforts. This transparency will build trust and keep everyone focused on collective goal: meeting/exceeding your fundraising goals.
One of the best ways to build trust with your board is to keep them updated on your progress. This means sharing both the good and the bad news with them on a regular basis. When things are going well, let them know and thank them for their support. When you face challenges, share those openly as well and ask for their advice on how to overcome them. By keeping your board informed, you’ll show them that you value their input and that you’re committed to working together to achieve success.
Another key way to build trust with your board is to be transparent about your plans. This means sharing your fundraising plans—including your strategies and tactics—with them on a regular basis. This level of transparency will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no surprises down the road. It will also allow board members to provide input and feedback that can help improve your plans.
Finally, it’s important to share both the positive and negative results of your fundraising efforts with your board members. Whether you hit your targets or fell short, openly sharing this information will show that you’re committed to accountability and transparency. It will also allow board members to provide insight and feedback that can help you adjust your approach as needed.
Building trust with your board is essential to achieving success as a nonprofit leader. One of the best ways to do this is by being transparent with them about your fundraising efforts. By keeping them informed about your progress, being open about your plans, and sharing both the positive and negative results of your efforts, you’ll show that you value their input and that you’re committed to working together towards a common goal.
9. Recognize their efforts.
Publicly recognize and thank your board members for their efforts—both big and small. This includes sending handwritten notes, calling out their accomplishments at meetings, and featuring them in publicity materials (with their permission, of course). Small gestures like these go a long way in showing your appreciation—and keeping people engaged in the work you’re doing.
Your board members gave up their time and energy to help support your cause—the least you can do is thank them in front of their peers. At your next board meeting, take a few minutes to express your gratitude for their fundraising efforts. Not only will this make them feel appreciated, but it will also encourage others to get involved.
As the leader of the organization, you have access to information that your board members don’t. Use this to your advantage! Keep them updated on your progress and share with them any exciting news before it goes public. This will show them that you trust them and value their opinion.
Part of being on a board is networking and making connections. Even if your board members can’t participate in an event, invite them anyway! This way, they can still represent the organization and build relationships with potential donors. And who knows—they may even be able to convince someone else to attend in their place.
A simple “thank you” goes a long way—but only if it’s sincere! Be genuine in your appreciation and make sure your board members know that you truly value their contributions. A little appreciation can go a long way in keeping your board happy and motivated!
There are lots of ways to show your appreciation for all that your board members do—it just takes a little creativity! By following these tips, you can make sure that your board members feel appreciated, valued, and motivated to continue helping you meet (and exceed!) your fundraising goals year after year.
By following these nine simple tips, you can involve your board in the fundraising process and ensure that your fundraising is a success! Utilize your board’s strengths, set measurable goals, and celebrate successes along the way—and don’t forget to hold regular meeting so that everyone is on the same page. With a little bit of planning and coordination, you can tap into your board’s full potential and make this year’s fundraising your best yet!
