Board

In her story, "Boards — The Secret Superheroes of Fundraising" from the October 2010 issue, consultant Gail Perry explained how taking the fear of flat-out asking off their plates could make your board members powerful allies in your efforts.

FundRaising Success published its first issue in November 2003, which makes this our 10-year anniversary year. To celebrate, we'll be taking a look back at past issues throughout the year. This November 2007 article, "What Does Your Board Need to Know About Direct Mail?" by Willis Turner, helps you explain the importance of your program, in language you don’t have to be a mail nerd to understand.

All right — you’re jumping hurdles and filing the paperwork to incorporate your nonprofit, but you suddenly hit a roadblock: you need to select a board. Or let’s say that your organization launched with a board comprised of friends, but their interest is fading as they discover how much is expected of them, and you’re ready to design a better board.

The following seven qualities are key traits to look for as you choose the board members that will take your organization into the future.

Listen in as some of fundraising's freshest thinkers take on some of the sector's toughest topics — the things that should be top of mind in the new year.

Having the right board members is key to a nonprofit's success — and identifying prospective board members is a vital step in having the board that your organization deserves!

Ted Hart speaks with CFRE and fundraising author Kay Sprinkel Grace about preparing your board for fundraising success in 2013 on his Nonprofi Coach radio show.

This is your optimal time to have your strategic list of what you need to accomplish in hand and to check it twice — actually at least twice a week — because it is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holiday spirit.

Being a board member, and especially a board chair, is a serious commitment, and there is a fiduciary role that can't be abdicated. The selection of board members and especially leadership is such a critical decision for your nonprofit.

A CEO known for having the community’s most prestigious and effective board once shared, “You get the board you deserve.” He probably spent at least two-thirds of his time nurturing and building his board. When he needed a major donor, good counsel or a public advocate, he didn’t have far to go.

Involving staff and volunteers in sharing the great news about your cause and its impact will turn your organization from being "the best kept secret in town" into one that is widely known and supported.