Boards: The Secret Superheroes of Fundraising

Here's how to make it happen

I know several organizations that have tried to implement thank-you calls to donors but couldn't achieve board member buy-in for the project. Board members would say, "Sure, I'll make some thank-you phone calls," but then failed. Many of the board members were not prompt. They were lackadaisical. They took assignments but didn't follow through.

Here are some thoughts on how to launch a successful thank-you call effort with your board members:

1. Share the statistics with your board members about the amazing results that happen when they make prompt, personal thank-you calls to donors. Be sure they understand the "why" of the project and the positive potential from making these calls promptly.

2. Have one board member take charge of the project and create a small committee. (Board members respond better to requests from a peer than requests from a staffer.)

3. Make sure the committee members are all focused, committed, understand that prompt timing is essential, and are ready/willing to do this. (Don't ask all board members to do this — only those who are willing to commit seriously.)

4. Give specific phone call assignments to each committee member. Don't send a whole list to the entire committee and hope that someone will make the calls.

5. Have each member report back weekly on the results of his calls.

One organization I know had all the board members post their thank-you call results on a shared Google Document. That way, each board member could see who was making calls. Word had it that a competition took hold, and each board member tried to outdo the others. The busiest person on the board made sure his calls were as up-to-date — or more up-to-date — as all the others.