Fundraising & Nonprofit Boards : What ACTUALLY Works
There are two questions I get asked more than anything else.
(1) How do I find more major donors?
And (2) Why isn't my board more responsive to me and more involved in fundraising?
Can you relate?
I’ve shared some thoughts in the past about how it is important to include your nonprofit board members in the fundraising process, and yet, it is the job of the staff to ensure it is easy for them to do whatever it is the staff requests.
But what does that actually look like?
Let’s look at three areas: board meetings, fundraising opportunities, and education.
1) Board Meetings
🔷 I once sat through a board meeting that lasted about 30 minutes, when it was supposed to last for about an hour.
🔷 I once sat through a board meeting that was supposed to be an hour but lasted close to two hours.
Does the first meeting mean that it was run better?
Not in this case – none of the board members said anything. They just agreed with the readouts and no conversation was had.
In the second example, does that imply there was robust conversation? Usually, but in this case, it was because instead of focusing on the agenda (reviewing the budget), the conversation pivoted to a long debate about potential venue options for the upcoming gala. This was not on the agenda.
So what should you be doing in your board meetings?
Have a clear agenda that is shared in advance
If topics divert away from the topic or discussion drags on, someone steps in to stop it
A discussion topic is posed that actually seeks feedback, not just asking a question to be performative
2) Fundraising Opportunities
Most board members do not join nonprofit boards because they want to fundraise. And yet, that is often the primary request made of them. So how can we actually make it easy for them to do what you want?
Draft an email or social media post for your board members to send to their friends (or have them send the email addresses of their friends and staff send it on their behalf)
Ask a board member to speak at an event about why they support the organization and join them in financially supporting the work
Go through a board member’s LinkedIn connections – ask about specific people you want the board member to introduce to you
3) Education
Remember how I said less than 150 words ago that most of your board members did not join your nonprofit board so that they could fundraise? Often that is because they are uncomfortable with it and may need to learn more. So what can you do?
Meet with each member of the board individually
Tell them in advance how to prepare for the meeting and review together the expectations of being on the board
In a board meeting, make the only agenda at one meeting a solicitation training, especially with an outside expert trainer (hi, I could be that person for you 🙋🏻♀️).
At a board meeting, have everyone go around and say why they support the institution so everyone feels more connected with their purpose
Alternatively, at each meeting, share one story that shows the power of the work you do
When it comes to working with your board, just remember, these people are volunteers.
They do not have to be there and they do not have to show your nonprofit support.
So share ongoing gratitude, communicate clearly what you are looking for with reminders, and accept their strengths and weaknesses.