This post brings the Get Your Board on Board with Fundraising 3-part series to a close. If you missed part 1 or 2, you can read either post here:
Is Fundraising a Board Priority? 4 Simple Tests
There are four quick tests you can do to determine whether fundraising is a priority of your board.
If you answer “Yes” to all 4 questions, then fundraising is a priority at your organization — excellent! If “no” is the answer to one or more of the following, that’s a red flag — some changes probably need to be made at your organization.
1. Does every board member give?
If every board member gives, your board members understand that they must lead by example when it comes to fundraising. If not every board member makes a financial contribution, this is a big red flag that something isn’t right with your board and fundraising.
When board members question why they must give their money when they give their time, I provide the following explanation:
- Donors donate.
- Volunteers volunteer.
- Board members do both.
All three groups of people are critically important to your organization’s success. Board members are extra special, because they volunteer their time, expertise, and support the organization financially.
2. Is fundraising toward the beginning of your regular meeting agenda?
When organizations place fundraising last (or toward the end) on the regular board agenda, it’s a big, loud signal to board members where fundraising falls on the list of organizational priorities.
So if fundraising is toward the bottom of your agenda, try shaking things up and moving it up on your next meeting agenda. Not only that, skip the normal development report and have a discussion about a specific fundraising topic instead.
For example, do you want to raise planned gifts? Then start a discussion by asking board members what they know about planned gifts … what type your organization accepts. Ask if anyone has made or considered making a planned gift before (to your or any other organization).
There are countless fundraising related topics to discuss as each board meeting. Pick a new topic for each meeting and facilitate a discussion. It’s up to you to keep fundraising a meeting priority.
3. Is fundraising a written expectation when board members are recruited?
When board members are recruited to join the board, are they provided a list of roles and responsibilities? In other words, are they given a written list of board expectations?
If so, fundraising is likely to be listed as a top priority. If not, there’s something amiss.
4. Is the development director included in (invited to) board meetings?
When a development director is not included in board meetings, it’s a red flag that something is seriously wrong at the organization. It’s a signal that the executive director doesn’t trust their top development staff member to engage with board members. And if the top fundraising staff member isn’t included in board meetings, it seriously hampers their ability to raise funds.
If you want to have a culture of philanthropy at your organization, fundraising needs to be a top priority for board and staff members, clients and volunteers. Fundraising should be integrated into every aspect of your board activities.
What tests or criteria do you use to mark how well you fundraise at your organization? Share your suggestions in the comments below.
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