Why Your Board is the Easiest Fundraising You'll Ever Do
One of the questions that we get most often is “How can I get my board engaged in philanthropy?”. It’s a fair question, and a common problem. And while there are some best practices in engaging your board, one of the first steps to take is securing their own personal buy-in. Garnering support from your board should ideally be the most straightforward fundraising ask that you ever do. After all, if those closest to your mission — your board members — aren’t willing to invest, how can you expect external donors to?
Achieving 100% participation in giving from your board isn’t just an internal goal; it's a powerful statement of belief in your organization's mission and projects. Let's delve into why soliciting gifts from your board might be the easiest "yes" you'll secure and why it's crucial for your nonprofit's success.
The Importance of 100% Board Participation
At its core, a nonprofit board's commitment to giving is a testament to their faith in the organization's mission and operational integrity. This isn't merely about the amount each member contributes; it's the act of giving itself that matters. A board that achieves 100% participation in giving sends a clear, unanimous message of support and confidence in the organization's direction and leadership.
They Can't Say "No"
There are a couple of compelling reasons why board members are unlikely to decline participation in giving, the most persuasive of which revolves around external perceptions of commitment and belief in the nonprofit's cause.
Donor Perspectives: Savvy donors often inquire about the percentage of board members contributing financially to the nonprofit. A figure less than 100% raises doubts about the board's confidence in the organization. The question, "If your board doesn't fully support your project, why should I?" poses a significant challenge. There's simply no good rebuttal to this if your board isn't fully on board, so to speak.
Grant Eligibility: Certain grants require evidence of 100% giving participation from the board. This criterion underscores the grantors' expectation that a nonprofit's leadership is fully committed — not just in decision-making but also in financial support. Failure to meet this requirement can disqualify your organization from several funding opportunities.
The Implications of Non-Participation
If a board member is reluctant or outright refuses to contribute, it might be time for a respectful conversation about their ongoing fit with the board. While this situation is delicate, the inability or unwillingness to participate in giving suggests a misalignment with the nonprofit's values and needs. Rotation off the board, done graciously and tactfully, may be in the best interest of both the organization and the individual.
Leveraging One-on-One Solicitations
Approaching board members individually and privately for donations can lead to significantly larger contributions than asking all at once in a group. Personalized discussions allow for a tailored ask, fitting the request to the member's capacity to give and their passion for specific projects or aspects of the organization. This one-on-one engagement not only reinforces their commitment to the cause but also affords them the opportunity to contribute in a way that is meaningful to them. It allows you to get fantastic revenue very efficiently, without some of the cultivation steps that would be necessary with a brand new donor. Once their own personal buy-in is secured, your board members are much more likely to assist in fundraising.
Securing 100% participation in giving from your board is a critical component of demonstrating your nonprofit's credibility and worthiness of support. When your board fully backs your mission, it sets a powerful example for other donors, enhances your eligibility for certain grants, and solidifies the foundation upon which your fundraising efforts are built. Remember, a board united in support, demonstrated through 100% participation in giving, is one of the most compelling endorsements your nonprofit can have. It's not just the easiest fundraising you'll do — it's the most impactful.
Need help securing support from your board for your nonprofit? It’s a common problem to have, and we can help with that! Send us a message and we would be happy to learn more about the challenges that your nonprofit faces.
