Boards and Volunteers

A campaign to encourage board giving had too many foundational principles that were violated. Here are the seven deadly sins of fundraising committed, sins you can avoid by following fundraising best practices.

Nonprofit boards should conduct peer solicitations of themselves annually. Doing so both raises the commitment levels of individual board members and raises board giving to a higher level. What's more, there's the real possibility that at least some members of the board will move from being merely donors to become investors — those supporters who are emotionally committed to the ongoing success of the organization.

Major-gifts fundraising isn't about "the pitch." It's not about a presentation. It is about having a meaningful conversation with prospective donors to see if they share your values, mission and vision — aspirations to make a difference.

Your board may be performing well enough, but once you've seen a group that is truly united, you realize how much more can be achieved.

This is the time when we all step back and make our resolutions. Here are some great New Year’s Resolutions for your board members!

As a nonprofit leader, volunteers and especially board members need to be looking to you as the expert, as the leader. If you need additional expertise for various reasons, bring in consultants, advisors, board members and staff. For nonprofit success  — and fundraising success specifically  — be strategic and lead!

Don't abandon your board members when it comes to their fundraising responsibilities. Help them get there. Show them what to do. Give them training. And have some fun with it all!

The proper role of a board is to expect and demand from staff workable, realistic plans for revenue generation. Both board and staff have a role in implementing these plans.

In a word … yes.

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. Take time today to be sure that you are maximizing this opportunity to deepen relationships with your donors and other key friends!