Your board is one of your nonprofit’s greatest assets, but too often, fundraising becomes the sole responsibility of staff. When your board is equipped, empowered, and engaged, they can become incredible champions for your mission, opening new doors to funding, partnerships, and visibility.
Here are five practical strategies to help activate your board without overwhelming them.
🔑 1. Personalize the Ask
What It Is: Tailor fundraising involvement to each board member’s strengths and comfort level.
How to Do It:
- Offer a “menu” of fundraising options: host an event, share a social media campaign, invite colleagues to attend something fun like a Paint & Sip.
- Consider their networks, interests, and availability when assigning tasks.
Why It Works: Flexibility leads to higher engagement. When board members feel empowered, not pressured, they’re more likely to participate meaningfully.
🎁 2. Encourage Micro-Events
What It Is: Support board members in hosting small, informal fundraisers in their homes or communities.
Ideas Include:
- Holiday raffles
- Backyard concerts
- Trivia nights
- Wine tastings
How to Support Them:
- Provide an easy-to-follow toolkit with marketing templates and planning checklists.
- Offer staff or volunteer support for logistics if needed.
Revenue Potential: $500–$3,000 per event, depending on size and structure.
📣 3. Leverage Their Networks
What It Is: Help board members bring your nonprofit into their personal and professional circles.
Action Steps:
- Share pre-written social media captions and graphics.
- Create email templates they can personalize and send.
- Encourage them to introduce you to potential sponsors or invite friends to events.
Why It Works: Word-of-mouth and peer recommendations are powerful tools especially when they come from trusted community leaders.
🧠 4. Educate and Inspire
What It Is: Help your board understand the impact of fundraising and their role in it.
How to Do It:
- Host a brief training or Q&A session on “Fundraising 101.”
- Share success stories and clear data on how funds have made a difference.
- Celebrate fundraising wins publicly to build momentum and confidence.
Result: Informed board members are more confident, motivated, and effective.
🛠️ 5. Provide Tools & Resources
What It Is: Make fundraising participation simple and accessible.
Helpful Tools Include:
- Board fundraising toolkit (templates, event checklists, digital resources)
- Peer-to-peer fundraising platforms like Classy, GiveButter, or GoFundMe
- Sample email asks and thank-you notes
Bonus Tip: Assign a staff liaison to help board members execute ideas with ease.
💬 Final Thoughts: Make It a Conversation
Rather than assigning tasks, ask your board members:
- What excites you most about this mission?
- How would you like to help raise awareness or support?
The most successful board engagement strategies are collaborative. When fundraising feels like a shared mission, not a mandate, board members become your nonprofit’s most passionate advocates.
Check out our Board Handout!
📘 More Ways to Strengthen Your Funding Strategy
If you’re looking for additional ways to reduce reliance on a single revenue stream, check out our Guide to Diversifying Your Nonprofit Funding. It includes practical tools to help your organization increase financial resilience and plan for long-term success.
🎯 Want Fresh Fundraising Ideas to Share with Your Board?
Explore our companion article:
👉 Fundraising Events & Techniques That Work for Small Nonprofits
It’s full of scalable, budget-friendly fundraising ideas that your board members can help lead or promote.
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