Motivating Your Board to Get Involved in Fundraising Tips

Almost every organization we talk to faces one major hurdle to their fundraising efforts — getting their board involved in fundraising. Many board members fear fundraising, other just don't see it as their responsibility, and others would like to get more involved but are not sure what they can do to help. Here are some ideas to get your board involved in fundraising.  

1. Bring your board together for an evening to do a Thank-A-Thon to current donors, thanking them for their gift, but not asking for money.
2. Ask each board member to arrange a tour of your facility and lunch with your CEO for one friend or colleague at least three times a year.
3. Have each board members sponsor a breakfast or lunch at your facility for a group of potential donors once a year.
4. Ask board members to host a cocktail party or dinner party in their home at which someone from your organization can present your case for support.
5. Invite a reluctant board member to accompany a staff or other board member on a major gift call.
6. Provide training in planned giving for your board, and invite them each to make a planned gift to the organization.
7. Suggest that board members ask their relatives and friends to make donations to your organization in lieu of birthday, anniversary or holiday gifts for them.
8. Invite board members to attend an AFP meeting with you.
9. Make sure board members "spread out" and mingle at each event your organization conducts.
10. Conduct a Board Boot Camp to help your board develop their networks.

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 with getting your board involved in fundraising, try our Board Boot Camp.

Average: Select ratingCancel ratingPoorOkayGoodGreatAwesome

Your rating: None Average: 2.3 (3 votes)