How Board Members Can Help Fundraise

Whether the business is for-profit or nonprofit, members of its board of directors play a crucial role. They govern the organization, establish new policies, and ensure that everything is on track to achieve the organization’s goals. Their role in fundraising is equally significant, and they can make a real difference in the organization’s financial health.  

To meet those goals, a nonprofit organization requires funding, which is why the responsibility of fundraising also falls to its board members. However, successfully raising money for an organization can be difficult, especially for those with little prior experience in fundraising. These are some of the dos and don’ts of proper board fundraising, as well as how software can help you meet your fundraising goals. 

The Expectations of Board Members in Fundraising

Fundraising is not just a task, but a crucial aspect of operating a nonprofit organization. It helps ensure that your organization has the necessary resources to carry out its mission, whatever that may be. When properly trained, board members can make excellent fundraisers, contributing directly to the realization of the organization’s mission, which can be a powerful motivator.  

While the board isn’t necessarily working as a unified entity to conduct the fundraising, it’s crucial to have clear expectations set. This ensures that each individual board member understands their role and what they can contribute, providing a solid basis for identifying any areas for improvement.  

Here’s how to set up expectations that your board members will be able to meet:  

• Set job descriptions. When you have an open board seat, assign it a formal job title and outline a set of expectations that accompany the position. This means that any potential applicants will know exactly what to expect — not just when it comes to fundraising, but also for other responsibilities and donor obligations.  
• Discuss expectations early. When interviewing potential candidates, be sure to outline and reiterate any expectations you have for them. This way, you can be sure that your candidate knows what will be expected of them.  
• Have a signed agreement. Create a contract for the new board member to sign that describes what’s expected of them. This can include any fundraising expectations and will give you a concrete way to measure their performance.  
• Review expectations. Review your fundraising expectations at board meetings whenever possible. Discuss current efforts and allow other members to give feedback and ask for advice.  

If you follow these steps, there should be no doubt among your board members about what’s expected of them.  

Tips for Board Member Fundraising

Now that you have your expectations set, it’s time to begin your fundraising campaign. However, you may be wondering where to start, or have an idea where to start but be unsure of the finer details. If so, here are a few tips to help your board members raise funds with ease.  

Board Training

Ensuring that your board members are adequately trained for fundraising is the first step in a successful campaign. This training equips them with various fundraising strategies, using past examples if possible, and builds their skills. It’s a crucial part of their role as board members. 

• Leaders: First and foremost, your board leads the organization. They decide what paths your organization takes — whether it pursues growth or stability. These decisions determine the amount of funding required.  
• Ambassadors: To raise money for your organization, you need to be connected to as many potential donors as possible. Board members help forge the links between your organization and these potential donors. Once you have these links, you can then cultivate the connection.  
• Supporters: Board members should support fundraising ventures wherever possible, whether by attending events, meeting donors, arranging thank-you calls or emails, or any other necessary measure. Fundraising is about more than speculative practice — it’s about actively pursuing leads and doing what you can to convince others that you’re worth the money.  
• Donors: As the board of a nonprofit organization, it’s good to lead by example. Therefore, each board member should donate yearly to the organization.  

Case Statement

People generally prefer to donate when they know that their money will be used responsibly and effectively. Crafting a compelling case statement for your nonprofit organization is a great way to demonstrate trustworthiness. A good case statement should outline the organization’s goals, how they’re being achieved, and how the donation will help meet these goals.   

Toolkit

Keeping up with a fundraising campaign can be difficult. There are several tools you can utilize to help keep the details of your campaign organized:  

• Fundraising software: This depends on the type of fundraising you plan to do, but basically, this is any technology you’ll need to carry out your fundraiser. There’s general fundraiser software, as well as software for specific events, such as software for silent auctions and other events. 
• Communication tools: Allow your board members to stay in touch between meetings and discuss progress.  
• Goal tracking: This feature will enable you to monitor your current fundraising goals and track your progress toward achieving them.  
• Donor database: A well-maintained donor database will help you manage your current donors, track potential new ones, and show you the last time you interacted with each. 

Reach Out

A good fundraising campaign depends on visibility. Reach out to local businesses in your area and see if they’d consider donating. They may have less money to give than a national business, but if they’re willing to donate, obtaining it can be as simple as a phone call or a lunch meeting. Utilize social media to make your organization visible on a broader scale and advertise any fundraising events you hold. 

The Don’ts of Board Member Fundraising

With so many dos for fundraising, you may be wondering what things you shouldn’t do if you want your campaign to be successful. Here are a few fundraising don’ts: 

• Don’t put your board members on the spot. Your board members may have connections to wealthy or influential people who would be willing to donate to your organization. It’s also true that they might be able to get you in touch with these people. However, that doesn’t mean you should put them on the spot by asking for names during meetings. Instead, ask them politely and privately if they can arrange a meeting between you and the potential donor.  

• Don’t assume skill levels. Even if your board members have prior experience serving on boards, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re skilled fundraisers. Ensure that you include basic fundraising training alongside any advanced training, and confirm that you and the other board members are aligned on procedures and processes. If they’re still learning, consider giving them more manageable tasks to complete until they’ve mastered the basics. 

• Don’t be cryptic or overly aggressive. Clear instructions are easier to follow than vague ones, and demanding results will most likely stress out your board members and lower productivity. Be clear, concise, and understanding.  

Going Forward

A board member’s position is a busy one, and ensuring successful fundraising is only one task on a list of many. That doesn’t make it any less critical, however. Securing proper funding is crucial to sustaining nonprofit organizations. Even after learning our dos and don’ts, you might not be confident you’re up to the task.  

Board members are more than just decision-makers—they are powerful advocates and fundraisers for your nonprofit’s mission. By setting clear expectations, providing the right tools and training, and fostering a supportive environment, your board can play a meaningful role in securing the resources your organization needs to thrive.