How can you structure your board for effective philanthropy?

The board is a powerhouse for effective philanthropy! Think beyond the norm! Blend in diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. Balance passion with expertise. Fuse financial wizards, industry leaders with grassroots heroes; folks devoted to your mission. As a board member in the public administration sector, your role in fundraising is not just crucial; it's the backbone of sustaining impactful initiatives. When defining fundraising responsibilities, designate a specialized committee or task force solely dedicated to a fundraising strategy that leverages the strengths of each board member, from individual donor cultivation to corporate partnerships, diversify the approach. Remember, it's about building relationships.

For boards that I am on, we have created a fundraising committee and designated someone to chair that committee. There can be so much that goes into this aspect of your board, that it’s a good idea to have someone focusing a lot of their attention to it. Your committee chair can then help the board and the organization set goals and develop strategies to accomplish the fundraising expectations.

It's equally important to foster a culture of philanthropy within the board. This goes beyond just defining roles and setting goals. It involves instilling a sense of shared ownership and passion for the cause among board members. When board members are emotionally invested in the mission, they become more engaged and proactive in their fundraising efforts. Also, remember that effective philanthropy isn't just about fundraising. It's about leveraging the unique skills, networks, and perspectives of board members to create lasting impact. This holistic approach can make your board not just a fundraising machine, but a powerful force for change.

Just as there is a cycle of fundraising that fundraisers follow, there is also a cycle of fundraising that your board can engage in to support the DOD and the organization as a whole. The full board should be educated on these and each board member should meet with the DOD or ED depending on your relationship structure and discuss their commitments for each year in alignment the cycles and the development plan for the year.

Fundraising must have a place at each board meeting. It's essential that board members are not just informed about the current fundraising strategy (what's working well, what's not) but are actively engaged in it. They should be encouraged to ask, "How can I help and contribute?" I strongly recommend making fundraising a standing item on your board agenda.

Fundraising doesn’t come naturally or easily for most people. There is a certain skill set for those who can do it and those who can do it well. Having someone with that experience and expertise is priceless! Combined with someone who knows and represents the community, that’s a recipe for success.

Indeed, aligning the board's composition with your fundraising strategy is vital. However, diversity should encompass not just demographics, but also thought, experiences, and skills. This can foster innovation. While expertise is key, adaptability in an evolving landscape is equally crucial. Transparency and trust among board members are fundamental for effective collaboration and decision-making.

The name of the game in cultivation and stewardship these days is personalization. Consumer expectations from the for-profit sector have shifted from generic to personalize - so have your donors' expectations. Find ways to involve your board members in providing that personalization to your donors. This could be through thank you cards or meetings or could involve digital assets like recording a 30s thank you video on their phone.

If you have the right board and the organization has the right mission then the board should be participating in that philosophy giving within the organization. Have 100% board participation is huge. Many grants want to see that. They are interested in seeing us the board invested before we get invested.

While evaluating your board's fundraising performance is crucial, it's equally important to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This involves not just analyzing data and metrics but also encouraging open and honest dialogue about successes and failures. It's through understanding what didn't work that we often gain the most valuable insights. Also, in addition to soliciting feedback from stakeholders, consider seeking external perspectives. An outside viewpoint can provide unbiased insights and identify blind spots. Lastly, remember that success isn't just about meeting fundraising goals. It's also about how those funds are utilized to create impact and further the mission of your nonprofit.

Storytelling is truly the anchor of great fundraising—ensure your board members are fully equipped. Share compelling narratives about your work, the impact you're creating, and the transformative role of donations. Real impact stories not only fuel their passion for the mission but also provide them with valuable and easy-to-remember content to share within their networks. Your nonprofit communications function should facilitate easy storytelling and sharing. You likely already have a space for impactful blog posts and testimonials used in campaigns. Start here. And remember, powerful and inspiring stories can emerge from every aspect of your nonprofit!