Newsletter #8 - Is Board Engagement a Top Priority for 2025? Enhancing Board and Staff Collaboration in Fundraising

As we step into 2025, is enhancing board engagement on your organization’s list of priorities? For many nonprofits, the dynamics between board members and staff—especially regarding fundraising responsibilities—can create tension or misalignment that hinders progress. By establishing clear expectations, providing training, and fostering collaboration, organizations can align their teams for greater impact.

At Charity Search Group, we offer customized board training to equip board members with the skills and confidence they need to drive fundraising success. Below are common board-staff dynamics in fundraising and solutions to address them effectively.

1. Unclear Fundraising Expectations

Many board members join with little or no understanding of their expected role in fundraising, leading to confusion and frustration. If expectations aren’t set from the start, board members may underperform or even disengage, leaving staff to shoulder the bulk of the responsibility.

Solution: Introducing clear Give/Get policies is a foundational step. Set tangible fundraising expectations early on, outlining specific goals for both financial contributions and active engagement. Regular reviews and open communication about these expectations will help ensure alignment and accountability.

2. Discomfort with Asking for Donations

For many board members, directly asking their networks for financial support is a daunting task. This reluctance can lead to missed opportunities and, in some cases, strain relationships between the board and staff.

Solution: Provide targeted training, resources, and support to help board members gain confidence in making asks. Tailored workshops can equip them with skills in relationship building, storytelling, and donor stewardship, enhancing their comfort and effectiveness in fundraising roles.

3. Differing Fundraising Ideas

It’s not uncommon for board members to bring their own fundraising ideas to the table—some of which may not align with the organization’s goals or best practices. These differences can lead to friction if not managed with care.

Solution: Offer regular data-driven training sessions on current fundraising trends and best practices. Use data from previous campaigns to illustrate what’s most effective, creating a shared understanding of strategies that align with your nonprofit’s mission and goals. An evidence-based approach helps unify efforts and encourages board members to support staff-led initiatives.

4. Tapped-Out Networks

Expecting board members to repeatedly solicit donations from the same networks can exhaust contacts, leading to diminishing returns. This can be especially frustrating for board members, who may feel they’ve over-extended their circles without adequate results.

Solution: Refreshing the board with new members, implementing regular board terms, and periodically introducing new recruitment initiatives can keep networks fresh. Encourage existing board members to introduce you to broader networks and create team-based approaches to fundraising that distribute responsibility more evenly across contacts.

5. “Time vs. Money” Dilemma

Some board members believe that contributing their time should equate to their financial commitment, which can create gaps in fundraising targets if monetary contributions are not being met.

Solution: Align recruitment and onboarding to attract members who understand the importance of financial giving alongside time commitments. By focusing on recruiting individuals with both the capacity and willingness to support financially, you’ll build a board culture that values both time and financial contributions.

6. Staff Managing Board Expectations

Development staff often find themselves investing substantial time managing board expectations, sometimes at the expense of actively driving fundraising efforts. This can lead to burnout and inefficiencies if left unaddressed.

Solution: During board recruitment, set transparent goals around fundraising responsibilities to avoid conflicts down the road. Establish a system where staff, board, and executives are aligned on roles and check in regularly to ensure these expectations remain realistic and sustainable.

Balancing fundraising responsibilities between board and staff takes clear communication, strong training, and strategic recruitment. By fostering alignment and providing the right resources, nonprofits can leverage the unique strengths of both board members and staff to advance fundraising efforts and fulfill their mission.

Is board engagement a 2025 priority? Charity Search Group offers customized board training sessions to address the unique needs of your nonprofit and build strong, collaborative board-staff partnerships. Book a free consultation with us today to learn more about how we can support your board and enhance your organization’s impact!