Board Members & Fundraising

A board member plays a crucial role in the fundraising efforts of nonprofit organizations. One of the primary responsibilities of a board member is to actively engage in the process of raising funds for the organization. This could include personally donating, seeking out potential donors, and cultivating relationships with existing donors.

Find below our articles about Board Member and Fundraising best practices.

Rule #3 for Board Members: Fundraising Has a Significant Return on Investment

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

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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

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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…

Why Isn’t Your Board Supporting the Fundraising Effort?

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,…

5 Ways to Give Board Members a Fundraising Makeover in 2023

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…

5 Ways Board Members Can Boost Year-End Fundraising Over Goal

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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…
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Board Members: Some Ideas About Fundraising That Might Surprise You!

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If 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

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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…

The New Paradigm: From “Fundraising” to “Philanthropy”

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There’s a new way of thinking coming along - one that is shaping the future of fundraising. It’s a move AWAY from the narrow idea of simple "fundraising" that focuses on "money." It’s a move TOWARD a much broader, more holistic notion…

5 Ways Board Members Can Raise Money VIDEO

There are many ways board members can help in fundraising.  Today I am exploring five easy ways that trustees can help impact the bottom line. We have to remember that most board members are naturally hesitant about fundraising. After…
How to Get Off the Fundraising Treadmill

How to Get Off the Dang Fundraising Treadmill

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By Gail Perry, Updated August 2025 I wish you could have been there. It was a chilly winter day. I was in a large back room of a big office building, meeting with the board of a top-notch local nonprofit. This savvy board had gathered…

7 Steps to Fundraising Success This Year: Strategic Tips for Your Board and CEO

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The new year is a great time to take stock of your fundraising strategy. Here are my strategic tips for board members and CEOs. These will help build a well-oiled fundraising machine inside your organization - something we all want! 1. Go…

The One Mistake that Hurts Fundraising the Most

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What is keeping you from raising the most money possible? Could it be that your own approach is holding you back? I have an idea for you - YOU might just be your own worst enemy. : ) This idea will help you make your job easier, more…

Is There a Crisis in Fundraising Leadership?

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How do we attract, develop and retain good fundraisers? At last week's International Fundraising Congress, many of us were transfixed by a provocative conversation about "The Emerging Fundraising Leadership Challenge." International fundraising…

How to Create a Fundraising Action Plan for Your Board

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Board members are naturally nervous about fundraising. But there are ways to calm them down and make fundraising fun for them. No kidding! Here's how: set them up to do fundraising jobs that DON'T involve soliciting. Tell them…

Does Your Organization Really Support Fundraising? Take This Simple Quiz

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Many organizations pay lip service to supporting their fundraising team, but end up failing miserably. Your board, your executive director, and your program and admin staff can undercut fundraising efforts easily. And in many organizations…