ENGAGE YOUR BOARD IN FUNDRAISING Sandy Rees, CFRE
Today’s Outcomes 1.Ditch the myth of Boards. 2.Learn to take a supportive role with your Board. 3.Learn how to help your Board overcome their fear of fundraising.
The Myth of Boards When someone joins a Board: They know what to do They know how to be a good Board member They will help with fundraising
Corollary to the Myth of Boards Board members should be engaged by the wonderful mission of our organization and the great work we do. “We showed them that video last Spring. What else do they want?”
Most Board members are… Inexperienced Ignorant Love the mission Don’t know what to do
Why people say “yes” to your Board Care about the mission Want to serve or give back Want to rub elbows with other Board members What else?
WIIFM
It’s all about Engagement.
How to engage your Board 1. Mindset 2. Expectations 3. Ongoing Education 4. Support
Communicate clearly
Lead from the chair
Mindset What you think about is what you bring about.
Mindset We get the Board we deserve.
A tale of two frogs
Manage expectations Set the stage from the beginning “You’ll be expected to participate in fundraising and make a gift.”
Educate them Fundraising is about giving people the chance to partner with you. It’s NOT about “hitting people up for money.”
Their idea of fundraising…
It’s about fear Rejection Failure (or success) What others will think Humiliation Making mistakes The unknown Confrontation Criticism Getting hurt Not making budget Not doing it right Not fitting in
Then come the excuses To avoid discomfort, they use excuses: “I don’t have time to...” “I don’t know how to...” “That’s not what I signed up for.” “I already hit my friends up for…”
Help them understand
Baby steps Teach them how to speak ‘fundraising’ Ask them to help in small specific ways, within their comfort zone Go for the quick win!
I can do it! (with a little help…)
Support them Check in Provide tools and materials Celebrate wins!
Sandy Rees, CFRE Stay Connected!