Board Members and the Low-Giving Syndrome
Some Board Members make no financial gifts at all to the organization or make relatively small gifts. I call this the “Low-Giving Syndrome”. Is this OK?
Read MoreNo Shortcuts to Great Fundraising
Around Board tables, we sometimes hear about big gifts from previously unknown donors or million-dollar galas or large grants from foundations - all to other nonprofit groups - and someone invariably says, “Wow! How did they get so lucky?” We need to ask, “Was it just luck?”
Read MorePART 2 — BOARD MEMBERS CAN ASK FOR BIG GIFTS!
Sometimes asking for a higher number than the donor had in mind can result in a bigger gift than they would have given otherwise, even if it’s not as high as you asked. You may never know this, but occasionally they will tell you after the fact. That’s a wonderful feeling - you helped them stretch!
Read MoreBoard Member as Fundraiser (Part 2)
As a board member or a campaign volunteer, you can participate powerfully in meetings with donor prospects if you are willing and able to convey why you are enthusiastic about the work of this group. The key is to tell your story in a way that is genuinely YOU.
Read MoreBoard Member = Fundraiser
You, better than anyone not on the board, are in a great position to participate in fundraising. And if you don’t, it’s a loss to the group you serve. How can you get started? Here are a few suggestions.
Read MoreFundraising Myth: “Only wealthy Board members can help us in fundraising (and we don’t have any).”
If your Board members are giving as much as they can personally, they can feel confident in helping others to give at the level they are able, which may be much higher. It takes work to help your Board members understand the power of their own example and their own story.
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