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How do I get my Board more engaged with fundraising?
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How do I get my Board more engaged with fundraising?
This is a question that most of us grapple with at every non-profit organization for which we work. And, we know, that it is absolutely critical to our organization’s success to have an engaged and active Board. In past years, we often looked for Board members to help us with finance, marketing, HR, legal – and we actively sought out Board members to help us manage operations with the skilled help that they could provide. Yet today, this isn’t the case. Our goal is simple…we want Board members who are committed to the mission and willing to be ambassadors.
According to Board Source, engagement efforts from the Board are crucial, especially since Boards have been shrinking in size over the last few years. While smaller Boards can be more agile, the risk is that they cover less ground and reach fewer donors.
The following are some suggestions on how to engage Board members with fundraising…
Make sure that Board expectation are clear. From screening new members to recruiting and on-boarding them, be crystal clear of what is asked of each Board member. It makes it difficult to increase engagement and improve Board fundraising when there is lack of clarity in the Board member’s role at the onset. 

Board members need a clear understanding of what Fundraising is and what it isn’t. I’ve heard many Board members say, “I’m not a fundraiser. I can’t ask people for money.” It’s our job to explain that there is much more to fundraising than simply asking for money. Make sure your Board members understand that “the ask” is just one piece of the fundraising cycle. They can engage in introductions, stewardship and more. Ask your Board members to invite guests to tour your facility, attend an event, host a friend-raiser, etc. 

Arm your Board with resources. Provide them with materials about your organization – sample emails, brochures, video, letters...whatever they need so that they feel comfortable as an ambassador. Help them develop their own elevator pitch. Meet with each Board member and get to know them. Help them determine their sphere of influence and assist them in developing a plan for each of their prospects. When Board members feel they have the tools they need to be successful, they feel more comfortable to help with fundraising. 
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Create a goal-oriented plan for each Board member. Meet at the start of every fiscal year with every Board member and thank them. Share with them all the ways they helped –both their personal gifts and their “gets.” Determine a roadmap for the new fiscal year with each member with clear set goals that they would like to meet. For example, they may share what they will commit to giving, that they will host a friend-raiser, help secure an event sponsor, write personal notes and provide 10 names for the year end appeal, etc. After the meeting, send the written plan to each Board member and work with them throughout the year to provide support so that they can achieve their goals. 

Some Board members come to our organizations very seasoned and ready to go. Others, not so much. Meet your Board members where they are and show them the way from where they are. I wish you success – and have fun!