An organization’s prime cheerleaders are the board members. They shake the pom-poms, smile, and shout the top qualities of its cause. They are the proven leaders who push the organization onward to its mission.
Ask any nonprofit executive director, president, or founder what they want from their board of directors and most will respond -- help with the fundraising. The board is an integral part of your financial success. These special people are there to garner financial support for your cause and help bring-in funds. They are not there to hob-nob, feel important, or smoke cigars with buddies. They have a bigger mission.
Their mission is to dig-in and get involved with your organization’s fundraising activities. Before you invite someone to become a member of your board, ask him or her to ask themselves the following questions and to ponder the responses:
Am I personally committed to financially supporting this organization? Are the other board members equally committed?
Giving begins with the board. If your cheerleaders are not participating in fundraising at some level, then why should other people? The board should be a source for big contributions -- substantial support for your cause. It’s absolutely essential for board members to make as large a gift as possible to the organization on whose board they serve. When a board member donates freely of his time and money, he can be more comfortable asking others to give generously to the organization. When a board member does not make a large donation of their own, it makes it difficult for them to ask others for a substantial donation. Each board member needs to set a good example. Gifts from the board set the bar for other donors.
Does the organization provide informational and instructional materials regarding what it means to be a board member? Does this document establish fundraising and gift-giving responsibilities?
Some board members believe they “sit” on the board and do not have to do any fundraising. This is where the cigar smoking comes in. Wrong. Not requiring board members to give large donations and participate in fundraising can quickly destroy the effectiveness of an organization. A board that does not fully support its cause crumbles the foundation of the organization. Gors. This mentoring involves setting an example for giving and training others on how to be an impactful fundraiser.
I have connections and know a lot of people in the community. I know powerful citizens and politicians. Am I willing to advocate for this organization and pursue new connections?
Your local community respects people who sit on boards. The community perceives these individuals as powerhouses with experience and wisdom. When a person is passionate about a cause, that individual inspires passion about the cause in others.
How do I feel about asking others for money?
Most people get a little squirmy and uncomfortable asking for money . . . no matter the circumstance. However, when a board member asks for a gift and the contact makes a large donation, excitement and happiness fill the solicitor with glee. Generosity touches the heart of the giver and the receiver. It is a good thing. A board member will not experience this joyful feeling unless they put natural fear-of-rejection aside and seeks training in how to solicit. It is the job of the cheerleader to smile and ask others for help -- and that includes funds to support the cause.
If you have any fundraising questions, keep in touch with our blog. We have ideas to share and solutions to management and organizational questions. If you have questions about any other not-for-profit industry topics, contact our not-for-profit team leader at trent@tbfosteraccounting.com.
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