Leveraging board members for relationship-building and fundraising is a strategic approach for nonprofit organizations.
Board members are an often underutilized and untapped resource – that’s why we hosted a webinar called “Stop Leaving Money on the Table” focused on a variety of indirect tactics where board members can be activated.
Here’s 10 top ways to do this effectively:
1. Recruit Fundraising-Oriented Board Members:
Ensure that when recruiting new board members, fundraising is clearly communicated as part of their role. Look for individuals with strong networks and a passion for your cause.
2. Set Clear Expectations:
Clearly outline responsibilities in board member agreements, including targets and types of involvement, such as event hosting, personal asks, or introductions to potential donors.
3. Provide Training and Support:
Offer training sessions to equip board members with the skills needed for effective fundraising, such as making a pitch, cultivating donors, and building relationships. We at BellesBoard provide various templates and materials via our AI-Powered Fundraising Coach to help them feel comfortable and confident in fundraising situations.
4. Leverage Personal Networks:
Encourage board members to tap into their networks for potential donors, sponsors, and partners. Provide them with tools like personalized outreach materials or event invitations they can share.
5. Engage in Stewardship Activities:
Involve board members in donor recognition and stewardship activities. This can include thank-you calls, writing personal notes, or attending donor appreciation events.
6. Host Events:
Use board members to host fundraising events at their homes or businesses, or to sponsor tables at galas and other events. This can help introduce new people to your organization in a personal and intimate setting.
7. Make Personal Asks:
Board members can make significant contributions by personally asking their peers and networks to support the organization. They can also accompany staff on donor visits.
8. Recognition and Appreciation:
Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of board members in fundraising activities. Recognize their contributions in newsletters, at events, and during board meetings.
9. Provide Access to Resources:
Equip board members with digital tools and platforms that make it easy to share information about the organization and facilitate donations.
10. Regular Communication:
Keep board members informed about fundraising goals, successes, and challenges. Regular updates in a central secure portal (like BellesBoard!) will help maintain their engagement and allow them to see the impact of their efforts.
By involving board members in these ways, nonprofits can expand their reach, build stronger relationships with donors, and ultimately increase their fundraising success.
BellesBoard’s integration with Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT provides a solution for connecting board members, fundraising staff and donors/prospects around all of the tactics above in an intuitive way. To learn more, click here.
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