Note: This guest post is from Sabrina Walker Hernandez. Thanks, Sabrina!

Here’s a question I hear repeatedly: How do I get my board members engaged in fundraising? (Cue the frustrated sighs from executive directors, CEOs, and development staff.)

You’ve got options! Here are eight strategies you can use, right now, to improve board fundraising. 

Recruitment

Board building is about more than filling empty slots. Rather, it’s about finding leaders who have skills and perspectives that align with your organization’s strategies, goals, and needs — not just for now, but into the future. 

Fundraising is absolutely one of those skills and needs.

Are you afraid of dissuading good people from joining your board because of your fundraising requirement? Be transparent about your fundraising expectations – and let them know they’ll receive training and support.

Orientation and education

Your board is only as strong as the education and direction they receive. Board orientation – including fundraising training – is the critical next step. 

Rather than having new board members sit on the sidelines for months or even years, engage them immediately – especially with fundraising. 

Beyond orientation, board education and training should be a standard part of your meeting agendas. 

Storytelling 

Kick off each board meeting with a “mission moment.” Share client stories. If you like, ask clients to share their own stories. If they’re not available to meet the board, consider video testimonials; cell phone videos can work well. 

If you run an animal shelter, bring somebody furry or feathery to the next board meeting. If you have a museum or art gallery, bring an artifact or art work and share the story. If you conserve land, prepare a slide show or video of the places you protect.

Your goal is twofold. One, stories help the board stay connected to your nonprofit’s purpose. Two, you can help board members build a database of stories they can share in the community, especially with prospective donors.

Relationships

At least once a year, meet individually with each board member. Identify key board champions for more regular social contact. These meetings can be informal. Stop by their office. Go to lunch. Have coffee with the board president. 

Build relationships with your board members. This will inspire trust and loyalty. Stronger relationships generate stronger follow-through, because no one wants to break trust with a loyal partner.

Accountability

Once you’ve negotiated their individual fundraising tasks, hold board members accountable for what they say they will do. Be explicit about their next steps.

After they commit, follow up. Don’t expect them to move forward without your nudging and support. You must continually follow up on each board member’s to-do list.

Simplicity 

Give them board scripts, social media post, sample letters, and emails. For example, if you want your board to help with thank you calls, provide the toolkit: 

• Scripts
• Tips on making effective calls
• An FAQ sheet to answer common questions
• A brief reporting form to return the office, detailing any requests, contact changes, follow-up needed, etc. 

The simpler you make it, the more likely they are to follow through.

Cultivating and asking 

The old cliché is true: “People give to people.” Many nonprofits overlook the importance of leveraging their board members for donor referrals. Don’t be afraid to ask your board members to reach out to their personal connections to start the cultivation process.  

Cultivation is about building relationships before asking for money. This could involve soliciting their advice, inviting them to an event or a tour, setting up a coffee chat, or simply making a phone call. Sixty percent of the work in fundraising is cultivation. 

Asking, on the other hand, is only five percent. Not all board members need to be askers. Learn your board members’ strengths and lean into those strengths.  

Thanking

The final stage is stewardship:  thanking your donors and keeping them connected. Board members can (and should!) say thank you.

Initially, board members can send donors a card or make a thank you call. Let the donor know that their gift was appreciated and how it made a difference to your organization.

Let’s give them some grace

Board members are busy people with jobs, families, obligations – AND they want to help. Despite their best intentions, they may not know how to participate in productive ways, given other commitments in their lives.

Support and equip your board members, then allow them the space and grace they deserve as volunteers. Everyone will benefit – and you’ll raise more money.