How to Encourage Your Board to Get Involved in Fundraising

Fundraising is an incredibly important aspect of a successful nonprofit organization, and it’s one of the most difficult parts of running a nonprofit. One fundraising resource you may not be leveraging as much as possible is your board of directors. Cultivating a leadership team that is trained, ready to take the initiative, and excited to represent your mission will ultimately leave a lasting impact. This doesn’t have to be a difficult or stressful process. Giving your board members the confidence and desire to raise money for your nonprofit starts with making it personal, encouraging individuality, and removing stigmas.

Make It Personal for Your Board

It's one thing to raise money for a good cause, but you’ll find that board members who are personally invested in the mission do a better job of fundraising. Encouraging them to give a donation themselves is a great step in getting them involved. Why? Because giving to the best of their abilities will set the right tone and jumpstart another level of their support. They’ll be able to present your charity to others by explaining that they’ve already given and the reason why they believe in its mission. When this begins to resonate, board members will be inspired to continue sharing it and taking action, pushing them to dive into purpose-driven fundraising.

Encourage Individuality

Some of your board members may enjoy speaking with potential donors on the phone while other members may be terrified of the thought. Different people are comfortable with different things—and that’s O.K. Encourage your board members to fundraise in whatever ways they are most comfortable, whether that’s direct phone calls, thank you notes, event invitations, or sharing a personal story on their social media. 

Remove Stigmas 

If your board is hesitant to get out there and ask for money, it’s likely because they are either embarrassed or scared to ask the question. Help them understand that as long as they’re asking the right people for the right reasons, potential donors won’t be upset to be asked. Remind your board that most people who give to a favorite charity enjoy giving and wish they could give more. 
Nobody likes asking for money—not even board members. But if you follow our tips and take the time to help your board members get comfortable with the process, you should be reaping the reward of more fundraising dollars in no time.