Strengthening Your Nonprofit Board's Fundraising Skills: Tips for Leveraging a Culture of Philanthropy

Welcome to the latest installment of Nonprofit Navigator, where we shine a light on critical capacities for your nonprofit’s success. Today we focus on board fundraising – a fundamental yet often nuanced area critical to sustaining and advancing your mission. The effectiveness of your board in fundraising can significantly enhance your organization's impact. But why, exactly, is board fundraising paramount, and how can your nonprofit excel in it?

Definition and Importance

Board fundraising refers to the strategic involvement of nonprofit board members in securing resources necessary for the organization's operations and growth. This capacity is not just about asking for donations; it's about leveraging board members' networks, influence, and expertise to foster a culture of giving. A board adept at fundraising can amplify your nonprofit's reach, credibility, and financial stability, underpinning program success and operational endurance.

Board fundraising goes beyond direct asks (although those are certainly important). A board's role in fundraising can also encompass strategic planning, networking, and relationship-building with donors and partners. It may look like connecting with potential donors, hosting events, or crafting a case for support that aligns with the organization's mission and vision. Your board members may have connections with potential corporate sponsors or foundation funders and can therefore open doors for staff to present partnership proposals. Ultimately, board fundraising is about building relationships that sustain your nonprofit's work in the long run.

Maximizing Board Fundraising Potential through Culture-Building

So how can your nonprofit maximize its board's fundraising potential? It's all about building a strong board fundraising culture. Here are some key strategies to consider:

• Education and Training: Provide board members with training on fundraising techniques, the organization's case for support, and their roles in securing resources. This can include workshops, webinars, or mentoring from experienced fundraisers. Many boards opt for training that incorporates specific details on their duties and obligations as board members to ensure the financial health of the organization, such as the Nonprofit Board Member Basics online course.

• Communication and Transparency: Ensure that board members are well-informed about the organization's financial needs, priorities, and successes. Clear communication can foster a deeper understanding of the organization's impact and motivate board members to engage in fundraising efforts.

• Engagement and Involvement: Board members are more likely to feel invested in fundraising if they have a sense of ownership and involvement in the process. This can include involving them in donor cultivation activities, solicitation strategies, or recognition opportunities. Consider ways to connect board members through the entire ask process, including the final thank-you calls and letter-writing.

• Accountability and Recognition: Establish clear expectations for board member fundraising efforts and recognize and celebrate their successes. This can include acknowledging individual or team contributions, highlighting impact stories, or hosting events to thank donors and partners with a spotlight on the board members who met or exceeded expectations.

• Diversity and Inclusion: Ensure that your board reflects the diversity of your organization's stakeholders and the communities you serve. A diverse board can bring a variety of perspectives, connections, networks, and experiences to the table, ultimately leading to more effective fundraising efforts.

Board Fundraising Expectations

It's important to note that nonprofits often face obstacles in this particular area, such as board member reticence toward fundraising, a lack of clear strategy, or insufficient resources to train and support board members effectively. Much of this can be addressed by setting clear board fundraising expectations. These expectations should be tailored to your organization's unique needs and circumstances, but some general guidelines include:

• Financial Contribution: Expect each board member to make a personal financial contribution to the organization, whether through annual donations or obtaining sponsorships for events.

• Fundraising Activity: Establish a minimum number of fundraising activities or events that each board member must participate in during the year. This can include soliciting donations, attending fundraising events, or leveraging personal networks to secure resources.

• Time Commitment: Consider setting a minimum time commitment for board members specifically dedicated to fundraising efforts. This can involve phone calls, in-person meetings, or other activities aimed at cultivating relationships with potential donors and partners.

• Diversifying Giving Strategies: Encourage board members to explore different ways of giving, such as planned giving or matching gifts, and to share these opportunities with their networks.

• Evaluation and Feedback: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your board's fundraising efforts and provide feedback on areas for improvement. This can involve tracking metrics like funds raised, donor engagement rates, or board member participation levels.

Additionally, with the advent of technology, new avenues have opened for enhancing board engagement and effectiveness in this capacity area. Technologies, including CRMs and social media platforms, provide innovative ways to connect with potential donors and streamline fundraising efforts. Keeping track of who is talking to whom is now an easy task, even with basic cloud-based fundraising software!

Quick Tips for Building Board Capacity Around Fundraising

Building a board culture of fundraising doesn't happen overnight. What can you do as an individual, right now, to help your organization better leverage your board members? Here are three immediate (and free) steps you can take:

• Share Success Stories: Share stories with your board about the impact of their fundraising efforts – how much was raised and what that has enabled the organization to achieve. This can help motivate them to continue their efforts.

• Provide Recognition: Recognize and thank board members for their contributions, whether it's through a letter, email, or personal phone call. Showing gratitude can go a long way in building a positive fundraising culture.

• Ask for Input: Ask your board members for their thoughts and ideas on how to improve fundraising efforts. This not only shows that their opinions are valued, but it also promotes collaboration and engagement in the process.

Going Further with Board Fundraising

In conclusion, building a strong board fundraising culture takes time, effort, and dedication. It requires clear expectations, effective communication, and a collaborative approach. By implementing the strategies outlined above and leveraging technology to enhance board engagement, your organization can create a sustainable and successful fundraising culture that will help secure the resources needed to fulfill your mission and make a positive impact in the community you serve.

The Merit Nonprofit Professional Development system offers a wealth of resources and training opportunities just for nonprofit professionals, including a nine-course series on enhancing your board's fundraising abilities. Learners can enroll for this learning path and pursue their Certificate in Nonprofit Board Fundraising or can enroll in the entire Merit® learning experience in pursuit of their Certificate in Nonprofit Capacity Building.

For board members who are ready to take the next step in enhancing your nonprofit's governance abilities, including its people power, the Nonprofit Help Center offers comprehensive learning opportunities within the Nonprofit Board Member Basics online course.