How to Engage Your Board Members in Fundraising: Turning Passive Supporters into Active Advocates

When it comes to nonprofit fundraising, board members can be one of your greatest assets—or your greatest untapped resource. While many board members are passionate about your mission, they may feel hesitant, unsure, or even intimidated by the idea of fundraising. However, engaging your board in fundraising is crucial to your organization’s success. The key is to provide them with the tools, training, and confidence they need to become effective fundraisers.

Here’s how you can turn your board members into active fundraising advocates for your organization.

1. Set Clear Expectations from the Start

One of the most important steps in engaging your board members in fundraising is setting clear expectations from the outset. Fundraising should be a core responsibility of every board member, and this expectation should be communicated during the recruitment process.

• In Your Board Member Agreement: Include a clear statement about each member’s fundraising responsibilities. This could involve making a personal financial contribution, participating in fundraising events, or helping to cultivate donor relationships.
• During Orientation: Reinforce these expectations during board orientation and provide an overview of the specific ways board members can get involved in fundraising.
• Through Regular Reminders: Periodically remind board members of their fundraising role, especially when new campaigns or initiatives are launched.

Tip: Create a written fundraising policy for your board that outlines specific expectations, such as the “give or get” requirement, which ensures that each member contributes either through personal giving or by securing donations.

2. Provide Training and Resources

Many board members shy away from fundraising because they don’t feel confident in their abilities or they simply don’t know where to start. By providing training and resources, you can equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

• Host Fundraising Workshops: Offer workshops or training sessions that cover the basics of fundraising, including how to make an ask, the importance of storytelling, and the mechanics of donor stewardship.
• Offer Ongoing Support: Pair less experienced board members with more seasoned fundraisers for mentoring. Provide scripts, templates, and talking points to help them feel more comfortable making asks or having conversations with potential donors.
• Share Success Stories: Regularly share examples of successful board-led fundraising efforts. This not only provides practical guidance but also helps to inspire and motivate other board members.

Tip: Consider bringing in a fundraising consultant or coach to conduct a personalized training session tailored to your board’s specific needs and challenges.

3. Lead by Example

As a nonprofit leader, your enthusiasm and commitment to fundraising can be contagious. If you’re actively involved in fundraising, your board members are more likely to follow suit.

• Make Personal Asks: Lead by example by making personal fundraising asks and sharing your experiences with the board. Discuss what worked, what didn’t, and how you handled any challenges.
• Share Your Passion: Communicate the impact of fundraising on your organization’s mission. When board members see how their efforts directly contribute to your success, they’ll be more motivated to get involved.
• Recognize Contributions: Publicly recognize board members who are active in fundraising. Whether it’s through a special mention at a board meeting or a feature in your newsletter, acknowledgment can encourage others to step up.

Tip: Encourage your board chair to be a visible leader in fundraising efforts. Their active participation can set the tone for the entire board.

4. Make Fundraising Fun and Collaborative

Fundraising doesn’t have to be a daunting task—it can also be a rewarding and even enjoyable experience when approached creatively. Consider ways to make fundraising more collaborative and fun for your board members.

• Host Fundraising Events: Plan events where board members can work together to raise funds, such as a peer-to-peer campaign, an online auction, or a community fundraiser. These activities foster camaraderie and make fundraising a shared experience.
• Create Friendly Competitions: Introduce friendly fundraising competitions among board members or between teams. Offering small incentives or prizes can add an element of fun and encourage participation.
• Celebrate Success Together: After a fundraising campaign, celebrate your board’s achievements with a special dinner, a thank-you event, or even a simple toast at the next meeting. Recognizing their hard work and success helps build a positive association with fundraising.

Tip: Use social media or other platforms to share progress during fundraising campaigns. This not only keeps the board engaged but also brings your supporters along for the journey.

5. Tailor Fundraising Roles to Individual Strengths

Not every board member is comfortable making direct asks, and that’s okay. There are many ways to contribute to fundraising that play to individual strengths and preferences.

• Identify Strengths and Interests: Have conversations with your board members to understand their strengths, interests, and comfort levels. Some may excel at event planning, others at networking or donor stewardship.
• Assign Specific Roles: Based on these conversations, assign specific fundraising roles to each board member. This could include hosting events, writing thank-you notes, making donor calls, or leveraging their personal networks for introductions.
• Provide Opportunities for Growth: Encourage board members to gradually take on more challenging roles as they gain confidence. Start with tasks that align with their strengths and gradually introduce them to more direct fundraising activities.

Tip: Create a board fundraising committee that allows members to work together on specific tasks. This committee can help coordinate efforts and provide mutual support.

6. Encourage Personal Giving

It’s much easier for board members to ask others to give when they’re personally invested in your organization. Encourage your board members to make their own financial contributions as a demonstration of their commitment.

• Set an Example: Emphasize that personal giving is not about the amount, but about participation. 100% board giving is a powerful message to other donors and funders that the leadership of your organization is fully behind its mission.
• Offer Flexibility: Recognize that each board member’s capacity to give will vary. Offer flexible giving options, such as recurring monthly donations, that accommodate different financial situations.
• Highlight the Impact: Share stories and data that illustrate how board members’ contributions are making a difference. Knowing the direct impact of their gifts can deepen their connection to your cause.

Tip: Regularly update the board on your organization’s financial needs and goals. When board members understand the financial landscape, they’ll be more motivated to contribute.

7. Track Progress and Provide Feedback

To keep your board members engaged in fundraising, it’s important to track their progress and provide regular feedback. This helps maintain momentum and shows that their efforts are making a difference.

• Use a Tracking System: Implement a system for tracking board members’ fundraising activities, such as the number of asks made, funds raised, or new donor relationships established. Share this data with the board regularly.
• Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer constructive feedback on their efforts, highlighting what’s working well and areas for improvement. Celebrate their successes, and provide guidance when they face challenges.
• Set Goals and Review Them: Set individual and collective fundraising goals for the board and review them periodically. This keeps everyone focused and accountable.

Tip: At the end of each fundraising campaign, hold a debriefing session where board members can reflect on their experiences, share insights, and discuss what they’ve learned.

Final Thoughts

Engaging your board members in fundraising is essential for the long-term success of your nonprofit. By setting clear expectations, providing training and support, and creating a collaborative and enjoyable fundraising environment, you can empower your board to take an active role in securing the resources your organization needs to thrive.

Remember, fundraising isn’t just about money—it’s about building relationships, expanding your reach, and ultimately, furthering your mission. When your board members are fully engaged in fundraising, they become true ambassadors for your cause, helping to drive your organization forward.

If you’re looking for more ways to engage your board in fundraising or need help developing a fundraising strategy that works for your team, we’re here to support you. Let’s work together to unlock your board’s full fundraising potential!