Board member fundraising — what they need from you

Guess what development director. Board member fundraising is hard work.

Your board members aren’t going to start fundraising just because they are now on the board. And you can’t scold them into participating.

You’ve got to treat them as the individuals they are. If you invest time in these directors, some will become strong partners with you. Others may participate around the edges. With the proper attention, all will give.

Change happens in stages

Most of us don’t leap from never doing something to suddenly being good at it. We usually need to contemplate our new role, convincing ourselves that the benefits of doing the new thing are greater than the cons of doing it. Then we need to prepare, to develop the skills we need. With those skills, then we are ready to act, taking a small step forward into doing. After that it’s practice, practice, practice. And with the right supports to enable the new thing to eventually become second nature. .

What do board members need from you?

Above all, they need to really get the need for raising money. No, not the financial statement line item. The compelling case for support they can understand in their hearts, as well as their head.   How the money links to the outcomes. You can never explain this enough.

So show them. Create the transformative experience that knocks their socks off. A day volunteering in your food pantry?  That bird banding session with your super caring staff? A special trip to capitol hill?

Help them find the large donor in themselves. Have a relationship building strategy for each board member, just like you would have a strategy for any of your prospects.

What else do they need?

On the practical side:

• The right assignment that corresponds to their planned movement up the change ladder
• Leadership from you, the professional
• A menu of options from a well-developed plan
• Personal training, coaching, encouragement
• Logistical support
• Your gratitude for their work
• Celebrating their baby steps and the big ones

And for yourself… when thinking about board member fundraising, start with the willing few. Then work your way deeper into the pack.