When your board isn't fundraising, it's not just about fundraising.

So -- sad to say -- I can't give you a bunch of fundraising advice and send you on your merry way. Because that's not going to address the real problem.

See if these problems sound familiar. If they do, I promise you that it's hurting your fundraising.

Let's dive in (but, please, not in the shallow end)...

Reason 1. Your board is disengaged.

Before you even bring up fundraising, your board members have to feel engaged and passionate about the organization. Obviously, no one is going to fundraise for something they're not excited about.

And, I'm willing to bet that many of your board members don't feel very connected to the work you're doing. 

You must make sure you board members have personal points of contact with your organization so they can see the difference it makes firsthand.

Your board members need to see, feel and touch the power of your work. Two suggestions for doing more of this:

• We all know the power of testimonials and personal stories. Every time you bring the board together, bring those who benefit from your organization's work into the meeting. Tell a story, read a "thank you" from someone you helped, take them on a field trip, have someone from your program staff talk about some exciting new thing that's happening... What might work for your group? 

• Open a meeting by asking your board members to talk about why they care enough to serve on the board. There are lots of organizations out there looking for board members. Why are they on this one? Board members are rarely asked to share personal stories. Hearing from each other will re-inspire their commitment to your mission.   

 

Reason 2. Your board meetings are boring.

Board meetings are the one regular point of contact your board has with the organization. But the meetings are usually unbearable.   

There's little discussion...   

 

You have to listen to endless reports...   

 

The only real decisions made feel like formalities...   

 

The agendas are exactly the same every time...

This is a perfect way to drive the passion out of anyone.  

 

And you need your board to be excited, not bored. You can't fundraise if you're not passionate.

How can you spice up your meetings? Try this:  

• Give your board social time together -- and feed them! We often don't take the time to do this because we're trying to use our busy board members' time as efficiently as possible. But the conversations that happen during breaks or over lunch are what build closer relationships among board members. This feeling of being part of a strong team is critical for successful fundraising.   

• Spend meeting time on discussions and decisions, not giving reports. If there's just a report, send it out over email. If there's nothing to discuss or decide, don't put it on the agenda.

• Let your board members do the talking. Aim for 70% conversation, 30% presentation.   

Reason 3. Your board is afraid.

Board members -- like most people -- are usually terrified of fundraising. Not all, but many.

They don't know what to say...

 

They feel awkward...

 

They don't want to impose on their friends...

 

They fear rejection...

You have to deal with these feelings directly. It's there and ignoring it is not going to make it go away.

Give board members the opportunity to have an honest, open discussion about fundraising.  

 

At your next retreat, ask them: "How do you feel about fundraising?" Pair board members up and ask them to talk with each other about how they really feel about fundraising. Encourage them to get it all out and talk about it.

You'll be amazed what you learn, and how much easier it is to address this stuff once it's out in the open. 

 

 

Reason 4. Your fundraising is too focused on asking.

Most people are going to define fundraising as asking for money. It's also how many organizations live it.  

When fundraising feels like it's all about the asking, it's understandably something that people aren't too eager to take on.

And because of the focus on asking, board members often don't know about all the other parts of the fundraising cycle. They just skip to the part they're afraid of -- asking for money.
 
There's plenty of work to be done involving prospects and supporters, thanking donors, and making sure they know what was possible because of their gift.  

 

This is the perfect place to plug in your board members that aren't up for asking (yet).

Have them help with things like: 

• Calling donors after they give to say "thank you"
• Meeting with supporters and asking them why they give, why they care about this cause 
• Going to an organizational event and welcoming people
• Writing personal notes on mail appeals, invitations, newsletters, etc.  

This is something I've written about before so read more, if you like. 

 

 

Reason 5. Your expectations aren't clear.

You need to be clear about the fundraising responsibilities that come with being a board member.  

And this needs to start when you first talk with someone about joining your board.

The fundraising part of the job is often glossed over in our desperate attempts to recruit. But you're only creating more problems for yourself later.  
 
Your job is to learn each board member's strengths, and help them figure out where they can add value to your fundraising.  

 

Try to take time each year to do individual fundraising plans (pdf) with your board members. This is a great way to get board members focused on how they can help.  


No quick and easy solutions here...but this isn't quick and easy work. So you may as well roll up your sleeves and get started.  

 

Good luck!