How to Disrupt Your Board’s View of Fundraising
Board Members & Fundraising, Motivating Board Members Board members and fundraising. These words often don't mix together very well. Board members are generally well-meaning, good hearted people. But when you mention the F-Word (fundraising), many board members shift nervously. What's wrong?…
Rule #8 for Board Members: It Takes a Team and a Culture of Philanthropy
Board Members & Fundraising True fundraising success requires help and support from everyone in the organization. Too often board members and the rest of the staff look at fundraising as something that is apart from their own work. Sometimes there an internal distaste…
Rule #5 for Board Members: Major Gifts Brings in the Most Money
Board Members & Fundraising Major gift fundraising can seem a bit mysterious. Especially to board members, who often imagine unpleasant, awkward face-to-face solicitations. But in reality - that’s actually not what happens at all. Our one-on-one visits with…
Rule #4 for Board Members: The Easy Money is in Donor Retention
Board Members & Fundraising Cash flow is frequently an issue for nonprofit boards. Everyone wants to see solid, sustainable cash flow. The kind of funding that your organization can count on year after year. Where does this stream of revenue come from? From a loyal…
Rule #3 for Board Members: Fundraising Has a Significant Return on Investment
Board Members & Fundraising As a board member, did you ever consider that your fundraising expenses have a significant return on their costs? Every mailing, your technology, consultants, training, all your staff salaries - everything is an investment. Just remember…
Rule #2 for Board Members: Know Your Fundraising Roles and Responsibilities
Board Members & Fundraising, Culture of Philanthropy, Fundraising Strategy What are the fundraising responsibilities of nonprofit board members? This post outlines Rule #2 in The Board Member's Guide to Fundraising: 10 Rules for Success Every Board Member Must Know Know Your Roles and Responsibilities in Fundraising This…
Rule #1 for Board Members: Fundraising is Based on Relationships With Donors
Board Development, Board Members & Fundraising, Motivating Board Members Some board members think fundraising is "hitting someone up." But fundraising is so very much more than that! Fundraising, in the very largest sense, is all about making the world a better place. People who don't understand fundraising devalue…
5 Fundraising Mistakes We Make With Our Boards
Board Development, Board Members & Fundraising, Motivating Board Members, Nonprofit Leadership Are you making fundraising mistakes with board members? Is fundraising something your board members avoid? Hope not! But this IS a perennial challenge for fundraisers and CEOs, too. But board members often are scared to death of fundraising. I…
Why Isn’t Your Board Supporting the Fundraising Effort?
Board Members & Fundraising What does it take to get the full board supporting fundraising? Board members are well known for their nervousness about fundraising. I’ve worked with thousands of board members over the years in my retreats and workshops. On the whole,…
How to Get Your Board Members To Help Identify Major Gift Prospects
Board Development, Board Members & Fundraising, Capital Campaign, Major Gift FundraisingSometimes when board members are asked to help identify major gift prospects, it can be uncomfortable. Here's why: Board members often don't want to share names of people they know because they're afraid they will be asked to "hit up" their…
5 Ways to Give Board Members a Fundraising Makeover in 2023
Board Members & Fundraising Are your board members unsure about fundraising? Do they back off when you want their help? It's actually pretty normal. Especially if your board members are not familiar with fundraising - how it works and how to make it successful. And…
How to Engage Board Members in Fundraising
Board Members & Fundraising, Major Gift Fundraising, Motivating Board Members Are you trying to engage board members in fundraising? How about helping with major gift connections? Would you like your board members to open doors to their contacts? Usually everyone answers “yes” to these questions. But getting…
5 Ways Board Members Can Boost Year-End Fundraising Over Goal
Board Members & Fundraising, Year-End Fundraising Campaign Yes, your board members can boost year-end fundraising way over your goal this fall. How? There are easy jobs they can do and roles they can play --- and help meet and even exceed your fundraising goal this year. The things that board members…
Board Members: Some Ideas About Fundraising That Might Surprise You!
Board Development, Board Members & Fundraising, Inspiration, Motivating Board MembersIf you are a nonprofit board member, does this sound familiar? Your organization needs more financial resources. And you are not sure which path to take: Should you: Help launch another fundraising event? Invite your friends people over…
7 Tips for an Amazing Donor Cultivation Tour
Board Members & Fundraising, Donor Cultivation, Events, Major Gift Fundraising Planning a donor cultivation tour? Think twice! You don't want just any old “show and tell.” Nope. If you really want to nail this amazing cultivation opportunity, you need to be very careful about how your tour is set up and run. You…
Major Gift Success: 7 Secrets Every Fundraiser and Board Member Should Know
Board Members & Fundraising, Major Gift FundraisingYour organization is seeking major gift success, right? So let's look for the actual major gift secrets that will bring you success. Most nonprofit leaders are confused and not sure where to focus in order to create major gift success. It’s…