14 Tips to Engage Your Board of Directors in Fundraising

You’re an impactful nonprofit organization. You’ve got a great mission meeting an important community need. But as the need grows for your services, you need to increase your philanthropic support. Why not begin with your X factor, your game-changer, your special quality that no other organization possesses? Your board of directors!

You’ve collected a group of talented, dedicated, and well-connected professionals who believe in the mission of your organization and want to see it succeed. By its very nature, this governing body has the greatest potential to significantly contribute to ongoing fundraising efforts. Whether it’s through governance, networking, personal giving, recruiting, or strategic planning, your board has the opportunity to take your fundraising from fair to fantastic.

Certain board members may not feel they have a responsibility to help with fundraising. It’s up to you to make them see the light! The sooner you can engage your board and have them understand their critical role in your organization, the faster you will see the impact on your fundraising. Here we’ve outlined a practical way to implement this process, laying out:

1. Get started engaging your board: How to start the conversation, find board champions, and set realistic fundraising goals and expectations;

2. Get everyone on the same page: How to host a successful board retreat, motivate and inspire your members, and come to a consensus on fundraising goals; and

3. Moving onwards & upwards: How to implement the new fundraising goals, hold board members accountable, and continue positive board development.

A few board champions are essential to building momentum. Initiate discussions about increased fundraising engagement with the board chair and/or executive committee and discuss who might be a great advocate and liaison between you and the board. If you sense hesitation, find common ground by keeping the mission of the organization at the center of the discussions.

After talking with board leadership, meet with all other board members to discuss their fundraising role and your expectations. While face-to-face meetings are optimal, a phone or video call work as well. Ask about their passions and how they would like to help. Your goal? Connect, learn more about them, and have your vision for fundraising energize and motivate them.

Based on these conversations with leadership and other members, set board fundraising goals with your board champions and chair. These will vary by organization, but may include items such as 100% board contributions, a commitment to making introductions, attendance at special events, making thank you calls, etc. Bring these proposed goals to a board meeting and vote to support them! How incredible it is to have everyone on the same page.

This doesn’t have to be an expensive or overnight event (although, it can be, if that’s your style). By “retreat” think a semi-casual interactive event, at a different location, where all board members can gather to focus on their role in the organization. This retreat should include time to reflect on your organization’s impact, time for telling impact and personal stories, and time to look ahead strategically. Make sure there are real moments of connection – this is what will motivate and energize members.

So many organizations don’t have this conversation – the conversation that fundraising is not about money. It’s about giving people the opportunity to make a difference! It’s about achieving your mission to bring positive change. Use this conversation to tap into the reason board members joined your board, their passion for the cause, and their motivation to volunteer. Remind them that when they invite people to give, they are not asking for themselves, but for the beneficiaries in need.

Board members may be hesitant to take on a fundraising role because they don’t know exactly what they are raising money for! Or have the language to express it. A good case for support articulates the societal problem you are solving, the solution you have identified, and the impact this solution will have on making the world a better place. This case for support can be developed with your board, or with just your leadership. Once finalized, be sure to distribute it and get board approval. From this document you can create talking points and add relevant statistics to support the unique need your organization is solving. They will more readily become top-notch ambassadors, and donors, if armed with persuasive points that are clear, concise, and compelling.

Hold a discussion, approve the case for support, and make sure each board member feels they can contribute to the fundraising conversation that supports this vision. How can they help you reach your goals? Have each member formally indicate how they will participate. The Board Chair, or member of Executive Committee, should follow up with each board member in a supportive way to hold them accountable moving forward.

Implement or further refine current board development practices to support your newly energized board. Create a development committee and a nominating committee if you don’t already have these in place. Consider planning a training to further educate and support those committed to taking the lead on fundraising.

You have defined the responsibilities of board members in their job description and during their onboarding. But you will likely need to reiterate your expectations. Remind members that they are expected to attend major fundraising events as ambassadors. Remind them that you will need their support and networks before you send your annual appeal. Remind them that reaching your ambitious and important goals relies on their commitment and dedication, and that you are grateful for it!

You have your minimum fundraising expectations in place but what about your maximum expectations? Identify board members who are willing to go above and beyond and cultivate those relationships. Find meaningful and impactful roles for them. Ensure your superstars feel successful in their additional fundraising endeavors by staying in regular touch with them about their efforts and always expressing your gratitude.

Many board agendas minimize fundraising updates (or don’t include them at all!) by covering the topic for five minutes at the meeting’s conclusion. Don’t be one of these boards. If fundraising is central to your mission, it should be a central aspect of your board meetings. Include updates on numbers, discussion on upcoming events, and opportunities for members to be involved. This recurring agenda item serves as a reminder that successful fundraising requires a diligent and consistent focus. It seems basic, but it’s often overlooked.

It could be a small victory, such as an introduction to a new major donor, or a victory by the organization, such as hosting a successful major event. Make sure you share these wins with your board so they can visualize what successful fundraising looks like. It can often be a long and winding road to reaching your goals, so be sure to connect the dots and highlight contributions board members may have made to help you get there. This recognition and gratitude will go a long way in encouraging future successes.

Being a board member is a big responsibility, and there is much to learn about doing it well! Keep an eye out for board trainings, either in-person or virtual. Share these opportunities enthusiastically with your board and encourage members to attend. These seminars will provide inspiration and ideas on how to be a great board member, from fundraising to financial oversight to executive hiring. They may not realize these resources are out there, and may truly enjoy attending and meeting others who are in similar board roles in their community and beyond.

Be positive. Be reassuring. Be a resource. And be grateful! Many board members have taken a leap of faith to be in their role. They are volunteering their time, leveraging their contacts and resources, and making their own personal financial contributions. To effectively fund your mission, you need their commitment and support. You need a board of directors who will engage with your vision as well as help raise money and support your fundraising efforts. Once this is in place, you will have established a culture that makes fundraising a priority and a board that is excited to participate fully.