Your board isn't fundraising.
Here's what doesn't work:
- Guilt trips
- Arbitrary goals
- "Just open doors"
Here's what does:
1. Personal Portfolio: 5 relationships to steward (not just fundraise)
2. Story Banking: Their "why I serve" narrative drives authenticity
3. Non-Ask Actions: Thank you calls, social shares, event hosting
Board members who make 5 thank you calls close 40% more gifts when they do ask.
For starters, I coach, encourage, and equip the ED with support from a board champion or two to treat each board member like they would a VIP major gift donor to find out above then the good fit for their role in fundraisng such as a menu for member to pick such your “what works” items.
It’s so important for board members to have smart goals and objectives that drive the organizations growth and fundraising. Boards have an air of authority that staff don’t necessarily have.
ringfencing 10mins at the end of each Board meeting for the Board members to action those relationship-building elements - e.g using that time to write LinkedIn messages to prospects, staying on the call to draft personalised thank-you notes, sending emails to warm contacts etc.
Not only is it more fun to do these things together, but it also creates immediate accountability and protects their busy diaries outside of their Board position.