How can you get your board of directors to support fundraising efforts?

2 Educate your board on fundraising

One of the reasons why some board members may be reluctant or resistant to support fundraising is that they lack the necessary information and understanding of the role and importance of fundraising for your organization. Therefore, you need to educate your board on the basics and best practices of fundraising, such as the different types of fundraising strategies, the donor cycle, the ethical and legal standards, and the impact and outcomes of fundraising. You can use various formats and channels to deliver this education, such as workshops, webinars, newsletters, case studies, or testimonials. The key is to make the education relevant, engaging, and interactive, and to emphasize the connection between fundraising and your organization's mission and vision.

3 Involve your board in fundraising

Another way to get your board to support fundraising is to involve them in the actual fundraising activities and decisions. You can do this by assigning them specific roles and responsibilities that match their interests, skills, and availability, such as making personal donations, soliciting gifts from their networks, hosting or attending events, writing thank-you notes, or serving on fundraising committees. You can also invite them to participate in the planning and evaluation of fundraising campaigns, goals, and budgets, and to provide feedback and suggestions. By involving your board in fundraising, you can increase their ownership, accountability, and motivation, as well as their confidence and competence.

4 Recognize and reward your board for fundraising

Finally, you can get your board to support fundraising by recognizing and rewarding their efforts and achievements. You can use various ways to acknowledge and appreciate your board's contributions, such as verbal or written praise, certificates, plaques, gifts, or public recognition. You can also celebrate and share the successes and stories of your board's fundraising activities, such as the amount raised, the number of donors, or the impact made. By recognizing and rewarding your board for fundraising, you can reinforce their positive behavior, boost their morale and satisfaction, and inspire them to do more.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?