They are volunteers, too!
Look here for information and the latest techniques to develop your board or committee. The purpose is to help those who work or serve on nonprofit boards of directors or committees.

~ April 2008 ~

Some boards are less than enthusiastic about raising money.  Here are some suggestions to get the board more engaged in raising money. 

• Have input into fundraising plan-Board members need to be involved in planning to be enthusiastic about the activity.  A Development Committee needs to share plans as they proceed through the fund raising plan and allow members of the Board to make suggestions.  That involvement will lead to more engagement.

• Organize and participate on fundraising committee-Members of the Board should participate in committees that plan and carry out a fund raising event or solicit money donations.  This should be a clear expectation when a person is recruited for the Board.

• Identify and cultivate new people – Select new Board members with a track record of organizing fund raising events

• Ask members to advocate for the agency-Be specific in asking Board members to access their friends and colleagues in supporting the organization.  Give them tip and fact sheets with talking points on how to do it.  Never assume they know how to do it.

• Make introductions for staff to follow-up-Board members know people.  Ask them to identify people that staff can call for donations or support of fund raising events. 

• Accompany staff on key visits to funders-Train Board members to be articulate spokespersons for the organization and its mission.  Take them along on visits to likely donors.  Conversation that is “Volunteer to potential donor” is far more effective than “staff to prospect.” 

• Help with expressions of thanks when appropriate-A Board member may be the right person to identify how to thank a large donor of goods or money.  Get them involved in that process.

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