Culture of Philanthropy: How to Engage Board Members
Board members are crucial to the success of any nonprofit organization. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that is vital for effective leadership and purposeful decision-making. From overseeing financial management to setting strategic goals, they ensure your organization stays on track and financially sound.
By involving these key individuals in your fundraising strategy, you can tap into more revenue, expand your donor base, and work more effectively toward your long-term goals. In this guide, we’ll walk you through three essential strategies for creating a culture of philanthropy to engage your board members.
Educate and provide key resources.
Many board members might not have extensive fundraising experience under their belts. Because of this, they may be hesitant or unsure about what their role may be in your nonprofit’s fundraising success. Recognizing these gaps and providing necessary training or resources can help board members participate more confidently in your fundraising activities.
To educate and empower your nonprofit's board members to get involved in fundraising, follow these steps:
1. Provide a strong foundation during orientation.
Board members must know the ins and outs of your nonprofit to be able to understand its priorities and how to communicate its needs. Help them start strong by covering these elements in nonprofit board orientations:
Mission, history, and values of your nonprofit
Strategic goals
Budget
Board structure
Roles and responsibilities of each member
Expectations surrounding fundraising
Consider pairing new board members with experienced ones during your orientation. This mentorship approach makes it easy for new members to ask questions and clarify expectations as needed. Furthermore, integrating this strategy into regular training sessions can foster continuous learning among all board members, ensuring everyone remains aligned with your nonprofit's goals.
2. Discuss fundraising during board meetings.
Board members often have multiple responsibilities and tasks to manage. To keep fundraising at the top of their minds, it's crucial for your nonprofit to regularly share updates, priorities, and expectations during board meetings.
By communicating fundraising success stories and updates, you can encourage board members to contribute to your current campaign, share ideas for improving your results, and celebrate together. Additionally, providing clear metrics and benchmarks can help them understand your fundraising progress and identify areas where extra effort may be needed.
3. Share resources and messaging templates.
To help board members climb the fundraising learning curve, equip them with the resources and templates they need to get started. Just as you wouldn’t want your auction attendees to show up at the event without knowing any of your auction’s rules, don’t leave your board members to figure everything out on their own.
Consider supplying your board members with ready-to-use images and graphics that reflect your nonprofit's branding and can be easily shared across their networks. Additionally, present them with compelling fundraising appeals and templates to guide them on what to say when reaching out to potential donors. Sharing impactful stories of how your nonprofit has made a difference can also inspire and equip them to communicate the importance of your fundraising efforts.
Allow board members to play to their strengths.
Every board member brings their own unique strengths and preferences to the table. Therefore, your nonprofit should encourage them to get involved in ways they feel comfortable and confident.
Foster a more enthusiastic and committed team by allowing them to contribute to your fundraising efforts in the following ways:
Donating. Board members can lead by example and demonstrate their commitment to your cause by making personal donations. This can motivate others within and outside your nonprofit to contribute.
Identifying prospects. Using their personal and professional networks, board members can identify potential donors or partners who might be interested in supporting your cause, which can significantly expand your fundraising reach.
Hosting an event. Board members can organize or host fundraising events, using their visibility and connections to draw attention and resources to your nonprofit. This not only raises funds but also enhances your organization's profile in the community.
Soliciting corporate partnerships. Board members can leverage their professional contacts and industry expertise to help your nonprofit forge partnerships with corporations. Beyond bringing in substantial funding and resources, these collaborations can also offer opportunities for co-branded initiatives that can boost visibility for both your nonprofit and the corporate partner.
Securing auction items. Board members can tap into their networks to procure valuable and unique items for your charity auction. Their personal involvement in gathering these items can also add credibility and attract higher-value donations.
Board members can contribute significantly to your nonprofit’s relationship-building efforts, which can in turn lead to better fundraising results. SchoolAuction.net recommends recognizing your top donors and event attendees with personalized thank-you letters or cards. Having a board member draft these thank-you messages can go a long way toward making donors feel valued by your organization.
Appreciate board members for their efforts.
Whether your board members make a major gift or help you acquire new donors, ensure that you express your gratitude for all that they do. Recognizing their efforts not only strengthens your relationship with them but also encourages their ongoing commitment and support.
While you might set up a donor wall or create donor plaques to appreciate your nonprofit’s biggest supporters, don’t forget to brainstorm some meaningful recognition ideas for your board, such as:
Gift cards
Branded merchandise
Thank-you videos
Appreciation events
Public acknowledgments in newsletters or on social media
According to eCardWidget’s board member appreciation guide, thanking your board members can lead to an improved culture, increased productivity, and a stronger community reputation overall. Additionally, consider offering exclusive experiences or opportunities that align with their interests or contributions, such as a dedicated board member retreat, to further personalize your appreciation efforts.
Your nonprofit’s board oversees many activities, from approving new fundraising software to guiding your strategic planning. By involving them in fundraising activities, you can allow board members to gain a deeper understanding of your organizational needs, which enhances their overall decision-making. This active participation aligns their efforts with your nonprofit's long-term goals and sustainability, allowing them to see the direct impact of their contributions.