[Strategies for Success - Smart fundraising ideas from Kinetic]

Maximizing Board Resources in Your Development Plan

imageOne of the most common things board members say is that they do not feel comfortable asking for money. At the same time, one of the most common things organizations say is that their board is not a fundraising board.

Both of these represent roadblocks to a nonprofit’s success that, fortunately, can be overcome.

A key responsibility of a board is to provide fiscal oversight and, for nonprofits, that includes fundraising. Here are a few tips to maximize your board’s potential and use this resource to drive your organization’s mission:

Lead by example

Receiving an annual gift from 100 percent of your board members should be a standard expectation. All board members should be asked to provide a gift that is meaningful and significant to them – one that reflects their passion and commitment to the organization’s mission. Many potential donors, especially foundations, will not consider investing in a nonprofit if the people closest to the organization are not giving.

Follow the five-step process

A board member does not need to be directly involved in asking a donor for a gift to have an impact on the campaign or development process. The five-step process to donor solicitation involves identifying the prospect, qualifying their ability to make a gift, cultivating the prospect to engage them in your organization, asking for the gift, and then thanking them in various ways. People have different abilities, so identify your board members’ strengths, and give them opportunities to leverage those appropriately.

Provide ongoing board recruitment and training

Constant cultivation and recruitment of top business and community leaders is needed to keep a board vibrant. Do not assume that when individuals join your board, they will know what they need to do. Train them in their responsibilities, so they know their role as board members and are active and engaged.

Board members accept the position with an organization because they want to make a difference. Be sure to give them that opportunity.

Ross Pfannenstiel, Senior Vice President (Kansas City) ross@kineticfundraising.com

 

Join Us on the Growing Philanthropy Tour

Next stops on the road to achieving Kinetic’s mission of growing philanthropy by 25 percent in the next 20 years:

Scotland, U.K.
February 7-9, 2018
Great Fundraising Masterclass
Adrian Sargeant

Minneapolis
February 28-March 3, 2018
ALDE IGNITE International Conference
Massive Fundraising
Adrian Sargeant

London • July 2018
Iof Convention 2018
Adrian Sargeant
Jen Shang

Past Stops on the Tour


Resources for Smart Fundraising Available on Kindle

Keep up to date on the latest fundraising trends with the Kindle ASR Media collection:

  • Fundraising Leadership – The definitive source for empowering board members to become pro-active fundraising leaders by Karin L. Cox
  • Performance-Driven Fundraising – Handy, yet entertaining reference tool for new and seasoned fundraisers by Matthew J. BeemOn the Web
image     Blogs and articles. President and CEO Matthew J. Beem and Founder regularly share simple, but         powerful messages about philanthropy, fundraising and the power of relationships.
image Timely Tips and Tweets! Follow us on Twitter at HartsookTips for tips and giveaways.
image Facebook: Become a Fan and a Friend. Fundraising tips, event photos, news and updates – see what’s new At Kinetic by becoming a fan of us on Facebook. Friend Kinetic CEO Matthew J. Beem, and Chief Creative Officer Karin Cox for even more updates!

Visit the Kinetic website for:
– Educational opportunities
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– Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with thousands of fundraising professionals. We welcome your best practices contributions or comments. Send to Strategies for Success editor Karin Cox, kcox@kineticfundraising.com. If you’d like a free subscription to Strategies for Success or its monthly companion, Philanthropy Success, contact info@kineticfundraising.com.

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