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Volunteering as a board member for a nonprofit organization is a powerful way to give back. As a board member you join with like-minded people to make an impact in your community or on the world. You may join the board of a blood bank, a college or university, an afterschool program, a think-tank, regional theatre, or any one of the many organizations that fill our communities and bring our aspirations to life.
Board service is empowering. It is one way that you can contribute to our collective good today, and to plan for a brighter future. You have the opportunity to share your network, resources, skills, and creativity.
As a board member one of the major responsibilities you are charged with is fundraising. This can also be one of the most challenging of responsibilities. Some people shy away from it, or hope they won’t be asked. Others are bold, declaring “I’ll do anything but fundraise!” We want you to be comfortable and confident in being even bolder. We want you to be the board member who says, “I know how I can help.” We want you to be the example of what it means to be involved.
Here are four things you can do between now and your next board meeting to energize yourself and your fellow board members. Choose one or more that sounds like fun to you. Each can help engage new supporters, increase awareness and raise money. These tips work if you are involved with university, a grassroots organization, or any size nonprofit in-between.
First, write a thank you note or personally call a donor to thank them for their gift. The president or executive director can share a few names of donors for you to reach out to. Allocate five minutes for each conversation. Ask what encouraged them to give and what attracts them to your organization. Listen. Respond to any questions they may have. Thank them again. Write an email to your executive and fellow board members to share who you called and what you learned.
Second, invite a potential supporter to visit the organization’s facilities and observe its programs. Agree on a date and time to meet at the nonprofit and tour together. Request that a staff member join you – one who can share information and answer questions. This is an opportunity for you to strengthen your relationship with someone in your network who has a common interest. A personal invitation is a great way to get someone involved.
Third, visit the people who work at your nonprofit to get to know them. Ask “what can I do as a board member to help?” Listen to their stories. Follow through on what you learn or commit to. Think about the staff and volunteers when you are in a board meeting – these are the people who bring a nonprofit’s vision to life!
Fourth, have lunch with a fellow board member to discuss how the two of you can work together to increase awareness or raise funds. Hatch a plan to host a small fundraising event that you can pull off without taking the time of staff. You could invite a few close friends and associates to your home or office for coffee or an evening glass of wine. Spend five minutes sharing information about the nonprofit you serve and ask each guest to make a gift equal to or greater than your gift. Your plan doesn’t have to be complicated — you just have to implement it!
Anyone of these activities will extend the reach of your nonprofit. They will energize you. You will have something new to report at the next board meeting. Don’t wait for someone to “assign” you to a task. Jump in!
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About the Authors: Mel and Pearl Shaw, Saad&Shaw Comprehensive Fund Development Services
Mel Shaw and Pearl Shaw are sought after strategists who work with nonprofits, colleges and universities, faith organizations, businesses, philanthropy and government. They are the authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.”
For information on the authors click on the following link: www.saadandshaw.com.
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