Myths and Realities about Nonprofit Board Members and Fundraising

There seems to be a lot of myths when it comes to nonprofit board members and fundraising.

Staff often expect that board members are supposed to raise money.

But board members are not so sure of this – as you probably have experienced.

It seems that board members – all too often – have another notion of what their job is supposed to be. And it doesn’t necessarily include fundraising.

Sometimes it is like staff is on one planet and the board members are on another. Staff has one set of expectations and the board has another. (!)

Here’s a humane and realistic way to approach the situation.

I believe in accepting reality and working with people where they are right now.

1. MYTH: Board members are willing to raise money and accept it as their job.

The reality is that many board members are NOT particularly willing to raise money.

Fundraising can be challenging for many board members.

This is perfectly natural, because they are not familiar with our donor-centered methodologies, and how we (politely) do our work.

They often feel that fundraising can be awkward, or even worse, pushy.

They tell me they feel awkward about “asking for money.” They don’t want to impose on their friends. They don’t want to be presumptuous. Most of all they fear rejection.

How to fix this?

We can’t expect them to help out until we give them the training and support that they need.

Let’s help them understand that much of fundraising is NOT about the ask – particularly with major donors.

And we have to motivate and inspire them so that they want to help. 

2. MYTH: Board members are enthusiastic and ready to help.

The reality is that many board members are not engaged or committed enough to tackle fundraising.

If you have a situation in which your board is disconnected or not engaged, then its members will not be interested in doing very much. Including fundraising!

You have to have energy before you have action! 

Before you even bring up the topic of fundraising, try to create trustees who are engaged, active, excited, and involved.

Want to learn how to fix this and see the rest of my myths? Click here to read the full blog: https://www.gailperry.com/myths-and-realities-about-nonprofit-board-members-and-fundraising/.