{"id":10449,"date":"2018-07-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-07-18T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.causevox.com\/?p=10449"},"modified":"2024-05-08T21:38:35","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T21:38:35","slug":"nonprofit-board-fundraising-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.causevox.com\/blog\/nonprofit-board-fundraising-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"Nonprofit Board Fundraising Ideas: Is Your Board Disengaged or Bored? Ramp Up Opportunities for Engagement"},"content":{"rendered":"

It goes without saying that an active nonprofit board of directors<\/a> is essential for most organizations. But these committed people, who sincerely care about your cause (or else they wouldn\u2019t have signed on to help), don\u2019t just manage the strategic vision and executive leadership.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s more for them to do!<\/p>\n

First, A Question: Nonprofit Board Fundraising?<\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s assume your nonprofit has a team of board members 14-18 people-deep (16 directors<\/a> is the average in the US) and that your organization has operated for a few years. You have a stable workforce, bring in consistent fundraising dollars, and are fulfilling the mission established at the start. In this ideal world, your nonprofit\u2019s board may very well be, for lack of a better term, bored. Attending quarterly meetings for updates is great, but it doesn\u2019t lead to a very engaging experience.<\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s flip the coin. What if you work in a newly established nonprofit with a 10-person board? You\u2019re still working to secure grants and a few major gifts. You need strategic guidance, of course, but you also need help keeping the doors open. Board members meet monthly, serve on sub-committees, and are assisting with fundraising, marketing, hiring employees, and more.<\/p>\n

Which of those two scenarios is more engaging for the board member?<\/strong> The latter, of course.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s because those board members are playing an active role in the organization. They\u2019re promoting change. They\u2019re a part of the fabric. They\u2019re engaged. The success of your organization is dependent on their effort– which is the energy you need.<\/p>\n

I love this quote from the National Council of Nonprofits<\/a> because it hits the nail right on the head regarding board engagement: \u201cWhen truly engaged, board members will become your nonprofit’s best ambassadors, advocates, strategists, and all around supporters.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

You want your board to become all these things, right? So it\u2019s up to you to help shape their experience. Through engagement opportunities, like the 6 outlined below, your board will become your biggest advocates.<\/p>\n

Engage Your Nonprofit Board to Inspire Others<\/h2>\n

1. To Act as a Sounding Board For Your Story<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

When you\u2019re engaging new donors and prospects, what do you do first? You inspire them! Your board deserves the same treatment. Inspiration connects your board to your cause. It\u2019s what can help transition each person from a passive board member to your next Chair.<\/p>\n

You hold the keys to inspiration, which can take many forms, such as a powerful image or moving client story. While you\u2019re sharing the latest news of ROI and impact, add a human element by bringing a client to your board meeting to present their experience.<\/p>\n

But the buck doesn\u2019t stop there.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t just share this information. Ask the board to spread the word and inspire others just as they were inspired themselves.<\/p>\n

There are numerous ways they can do this, such as:<\/p>\n