Nonprofit leaders and fundraisers are some of the most passionate people on the planet. That passion can drive incredible change. But left unchecked, it also drives burnout. The constant pressure to do more, say yes, and chase every opportunity creates a treadmill effect—fast-moving, exhausting, and hard to step off.

Board transitions are not a crisis. They’re an opportunity. When a board member steps down, they create space for new leadership—leaders who are aligned with where the organization is headed next. The key is to navigate these transitions with confidence, intentionality, and gratitude.

It’s absolutely possible to establish board giving as an expectation without causing resistance or division. The key is introducing this shift as a natural evolution—one that aligns with the mission, reinforces board members’ roles as leaders, and strengthens the organization’s credibility.

For major donors and institutional funders, board giving is a make-or-break trust signal. Some foundations even require 100% board participation before considering a grant. And many high-net-worth donors won’t even enter the conversation until they know the board is fully invested.

Resistance to board giving is more common than many nonprofit leaders realize, and it often stems from long-standing board culture rather than a lack of commitment. Whether it’s uncertainty, financial concerns, or simply an outdated understanding of board roles, these challenges can—and must—be addressed head-on. A board that isn’t fully engaged in giving makes fundraising harder at every level.

This is the first post in a five-part series on board giving—how to set expectations, overcome resistance, and build a culture where board members lead by example in fundraising. Today, we’re starting with one of the most critical steps in any campaign: ensuring 100% board participation.

Planning a capital campaign and unsure how much to budget for expenses? Explore our quick guide to capital campaign budgeting for professional insight.

Volunteers are a core part of your nonprofit’s team. Learn how to retain and motivate them with these top strategies for engagement and relationship building.

Volunteers who feel a sense of community around your nonprofit are more likely to stick with your organization. Learn how to build a modern volunteer community.

Access our free fundraising plan template to learn the steps of planning your nonprofit’s annual fundraising strategy, like goal-setting, budgeting, and more.

In-kind donations supply nonprofits with essential items for their missions. Learn three best practices for soliciting these contributions from your supporters.

Major donors provide essential financial support to your organization. Build strong relationships that will last for years to come using these strategies.