Nonprofit Board Fundraising Tips

Nonprofit boards have the capability to be a powerful tool for fundraising. There's only one problem: It's not exactly easy getting members on board for it.

Board members already have a lot on their plate, so it can be a challenge to get them to raise money for the organization. At the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) 49th International Conference on Fundraising, fundraising consultant Julia Ingraham Walker gave 10 steps for making the board an effective partner on the fundraising team. They are:

• Build board buy-in for taking a leadership role in fundraising. Educate board members about long-term needs and goals.
• Provide training in fundraising for all board members. Plan a retreat or bring in a consultant.
• Recruit new board members strategically. Look for fundraising experience or the capacity to give more.
• Educate board members about fundraising needs and goals. Involve board members in strategic planning.
• Set the pace with board giving. Start by setting a 100 percent participation goal.
• Define roles for board and staff.
• Build board partnerships in the annual fund. Participate actively in annual fund solicitation.
• Build board partnerships in major gifts. Help identify and cultivate major gift prospects.
• Build board leadership in the campaign. Take part in the planning phase.
• Raise sights with the board. Begin with gifts from board members themselves, use challenges and matches effectively and talk about and plan for larger gifts.