“Help! I Can't Get My Board Engaged in Philanthropy!”
We all know that an engaged volunteer board can make or break our fundraising program. But, how do we inspire our board to become engaged when social distancing remains prevalent in our world today and almost everyone says, “I’m not a fundraiser.”
First, we must ensure that the structure of our board is set up for success – all too often, I see fundraising boards structured in a way that does not focus on our reason for existence – raising funds to support our cause! We must ensure that all boards have an expectation of 100% participation in the fundraising process – every board member should commit to a personal gift and commit to being involved with the solicitation process in some way. It is very difficult to invite others to join you in support of a cause if you are not personally committed yourself.
Once we have determined that our board structure is set up for fundraising success, we should focus on personal connections and communication with individual board members to optimize engagement.
Provide consistent and clear communication about your organization, mission, project, and goals
Check in one-on-one about commitment/involvement - determine their motivations and passions for being involved
Utilize individual strengths as you assign roles in the fundraising process
Recognize and express gratitude regularly
Set small, but measurable goals and celebrate successes!
If an in-person meeting is not possible, utilize virtual meetings to keep connected
By remembering that our board members are busy individuals who joined our board for a reason, keeping them informed with simple but consistent communication, and giving them specific achievable tasks with the tools they need to help you, you are setting your organization up for greater fundraising success.
Cheers to 2021 and a re-energized board!
Marti Barrow, CFRE
Vice President of Client Services
PRIDE Philanthropy
