Do your Board Members Fundraise?

It’s not my job, we have fundraisers, why should I have to fundraise?

I wouldn’t know where to start, I’d be a burden on fundraising.

I don’t know enough to help with donations.

When board members see, have the attitude that fundraising isn’t part of their role, something needs to be said and done; sadly grabbing them by the shoulder and give them a good hard shake is frowned upon. But something needs doing to get them to see it’s as much their job as it is anyone else in the organisation.

Board members should be encouraged to, where possible spend time with the fundraising team to learn what it takes to get a campaign going, how individuals, businesses and funders are approached. The effort this takes, the skills needed and to see what the results (negative and positive) have on those doing the fundraising.

I’ve seen organisations where the Board are only interested in the income, they’re not interested in how it’s done. But, should income levels not meet targets they dive in and suggest that the fundraising team aren’t doing all the could, they their appriach is wrong.

Say what, if these Board members know so much, why aren’t they roling their sleeves up and help? Ah that’s right, it’s not their job. What a load of hogwash.

Board members, infact (in my opinion) everyone in an organisation should have some involvement in fundraising.
Board members are likely to have business or community connections they could tap into. Sure, there are some situations where this may not be possible; but the least they could do in situations where a direct approach my not be in order, is to at minimum is to give introductions, open the door for others to make the approach.

If written previoulsy, Is your Board on Board, have a read if you haven’t.

Board members aren’t only there because of the need in the Trust Deed or legal requirements, they are their because of skills they have. And, they should also be schooled in all areas of the organisation. (Read) Learn Fundraising.

The next time your board is together, ask ”what can you help with?”. It may scare some, but too bad, it will open discussion on roles, repsonsibilities and opportunities.