Development Committee Tips

Why is a Development Committee important for your nonprofit organization? It is critical that all fundraising activities are coordinated through the Development Office and that there is a Development Plan in place that includes realistic goals and objectives for the development program. The Development Committee will provide the volunteer perspective that can motivate and inspire the board's fundraising activities, support the Development Office and add valuable talent and connections to improve fundraising results. Here are some tips for recruiting and working with an effective Development Committee.  

1. The Development Committee should be a standing committee of the board, chaired by a board member.
2. The Chair of the Development Committee must be a good leader, someone who can inspire and motivate the committee members and one who is well organized.
3. The Chair of the Development Committee and the Chief Development Officer should set the agenda for the committee.
4. There are various aspects of the Development Program, which usually include annual giving, planned giving, events, public relations (where there is not a separate PR Committee) and sometimes other activities such as capital campaign. These can be assigned to various subcommittees or can be worked on by the committee of the whole.
5. Once the various roles of the Development Committee have been determined, a list of potential committee members who have talents and skills in these specific areas should be developed.
6. The Development Committee should work with the CDO to develop a comprehensive Development Plan and this plan must be presented to the board for approval. Once the plan is approved, there should not be major deviations unless there are mitigating circumstances that call for major revision to the plan. (For example, if a board members or staff person suggests a new event or activity, it should be considered for a future time and incorporated into the next plan, not added to an already full plan.)
7. Development Committee members need a position description outlining the expectations and these expectation should include the requirement that all Development Committee members will make a contribution to the organization. They will not be successful fundraisers unless they have made their own commitment first.
8. Development Committee members should include some board members and a number of non-board members. Remember that committee membership is great "training ground" for prospective board members and many people will agree to committee service before they are ready to make a full commitment to serve on a governing board.
9. Development Committee members should have the opportunity to interact with the Board periodically, perhaps attending a joint training session on fundraising or having the committee present the Development Plan to the full board.
10. Development Committee members should receive orientation to the organization similar to board orientation and should feel a passion for the mission if they are to be effective fundraisers.

A strong development committee should consist of people with both the time and ability to help the organization's fundraising efforts, and its members need to be aware that will be their focus. Some people who might be considered are bankers, accountants, attorneys, entrepreneurs and even development officers from other organizations, if their role on the Development Committee does not conflict with their full time job.

If you need help setting up a Development Committee, contact the experts at CAPITAL VENTURE.

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