Note: This post is from Train Your Board partner Laurel McCombs. Thanks, Laurel!

As you may know, roughly a quarter of all giving happens in December. And, yes, I hear you, it’s only September, but starting your year-end planning now will allow you to be more strategic, more effective, and more confident in meeting your goals.

This includes how you engage your board of directors. Involving your board members in end-of-year fundraising can make a significant difference in reaching your revenue goals and bridging the revenue gap. 

Don’t let this be another year where you wish, after the fact, that you’d done a better job including your board.

From the start, co-create strategy and goals

To ensure your board is fully invested in the fundraising process, involve them from the beginning. Rather than dictating the strategy and goals, invite their input and collaboration. Set the stage for success by allowing your board members to actively participate in the creation of the strategy and setting their own goals.

A table of gifts (also called a gift chart or gift pyramid) can be an incredibly helpful tool in illustrating the revenue you need to raise. Your table of gifts provides an overview of how you might fill any revenue gaps by soliciting gifts at varying levels. This will clarify which fundraising strategies could have the most impact. 

Still haven’t created your table of gifts? You can find a template here to help you get started.

Four tenets of board fundraising

Once you’ve set you goals and agreed on board fundraising strategies, it’s time to implement them. To be successful, the board will need ongoing support and resources to be successful. 

Use the following four tenets to ensure that they have what they need without spending an unreasonable amount of time and energy providing that support.

1. Be realistic

Your board members have busy schedules and a wide range of commitments. As you plan for their involvement, consider their time constraints and willingness to participate. 

Work together to establish achievable goals that align with their availability and resources. Avoid over-commitment: setting unrealistic expectations that might discourage engagement. Center your strategy on what board members can realistically follow through on, which may be less than they aspire to do.

2. Be specific

Move away from vague requests. Provide clear, specific action items with due dates.

Here’s an example. Instead of asking them to “open doors” for potential donors, specify exactly what you need them to do – whether it’s email introductions to connections that you’ve identified as strong prospective donors, hosting events, or reaching out to their networks in other ways. 

The more specific, the better. This clarity improves accountability and ensures everyone is on the same page.

3. Be supportive

For most board members, fundraising is not their day job. Even with the best intentions, they still need training and guidance to effectively implement the strategies you’ve planned together.

Offer them the necessary resources, tools, and training to succeed in their fundraising efforts. Take the time to understand their needs and preferences, and tailor your support accordingly. Ask them how you can best assist them in accomplishing their goals.

4. Be proactive

Regular, calendared follow-up is crucial. Don’t wait until deadlines are looming. 

Stay connected with your board members. Monitor their progress, address any challenges they might be facing, and provide additional resources if needed. Schedule reminders and share that you’ll be checking in, using that schedule. 

Being proactive not only keeps the momentum going, but also demonstrates your commitment to their success.

It’s a win-win

Year-end fundraising can be a win-win for both board engagement and fundraising success. Your ability to meet your goals can be greatly improved with their support. Focusing the board on a set of goals and strategies within a specific time frame can jump start their enthusiasm around fundraising, even after the year is over.

Successful fundraising is a collective effort that requires everyone’s dedication and collaboration. When your board members are actively engaged, well-prepared, and aligned with the fundraising strategy, your organization is better positioned to hit the revenue goals that allow you to achieve your mission and vision. 

By adhering to the four tenets of engagement – being realistic, specific, supportive, and proactive – you create an environment where board members feel valued, equipped, and motivated to contribute to that success.