Explore the transformative role of board members in nonprofit fundraising. Discover how to shift perceptions of fundraising from begging to an invitation for community engagement. Learn the power of personal stories in connecting with donors, and how storytelling can enhance board members' outreach efforts. Uncover practical strategies for empowering fundraising committees and fostering accountability. With real-world tactics and mindset shifts, get ready to activate your board and drive meaningful impact!
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insights INSIGHT
Board Misunderstands Fundraising Role
Many board members don't volunteer for fundraising because they think they must know wealthy donors.
Understanding fundraising as a broader role encourages board involvement and recognizes their importance as ambassadors.
insights INSIGHT
Reframe Fundraising From Begging
Fundraising is often feared as begging, which blocks participation.
Reframe fundraising as an invitation to community, providing opportunity, not begging for handouts.
insights INSIGHT
Fundraising Is Matchmaking, Not Sales
Fundraising is not sales; it's matchmaking between people's values and the organization's mission.
Finding the right donor-fit is key, and not every connection will align, which is okay.
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Fundraising isn’t about money; it’s about PEOPLE. And some of your most powerful people? Your board.
In this episode, we dive into the challenges small nonprofits face when trying to activate their boards around fundraising. From fear of asking to a total misunderstanding of what fundraising even is, we’re breaking down the myths, sharing real-world tactics, and giving you the mindset shifts that actually work.
📌 Don’t forget: We’ve included a Board Fundraising Menu in the show notes with a full list of task ideas you can assign based on your org’s real needs. Plus, we’re also sharing a companion script guide to help your board get even more confident and consistent in their outreach.
🔑 Getting Your Board to Fundraise - 5 Key Takeaways
Fundraising ≠ Begging The fear that fundraising is "icky" or akin to begging is one of the biggest blockers. Reframing it as an invitation into community shifts everything.
Boards Don't Understand Fundraising—Because No One Taught Them Most board members have never been trained. They’re not unmotivated—they’re just unclear on what fundraising actually involves.
Matchmaking, Not Sales Great fundraising is about alignment, not persuasion. If the mission and the person don’t align, that’s okay—you’re just finding the right match.
Board Members' Personal Stories Are Their Superpower A board member sharing why they care hits harder than any brochure. Storytelling > strategy.
Accountability = Clarity + Relationship Board engagement skyrockets when expectations are clear, roles are specific, and there's a personal connection—like pairing with a staff member.
🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work. We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!
✅ 3 Actionable Tips for Small Nonprofits
Assign by Name, Not Role “The board” doesn’t do anything. Sam, Deirdre, and James do. Assign clear names to tasks and follow up. It makes a BIG difference.
Use the 1-30-10-7 Pitch Practice Have board members practice describing the org in 1 minute, 30 seconds, 10 seconds, and finally 7 seconds. That short pitch becomes their go-to confidence builder.
Build In Buddy Accountability Pair each board member with a development staffer. It keeps them engaged, informed, and supported and stops them from sending those “should we ask Oprah?” emails to your ED.
Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions