This is one of the most common questions I get asked when it comes to fundraising. And here’s the answer.
The best thing you can do is re-connect Board members to your mission and help them re-fire their passion. Find a way to bring a client or volunteer to a Board meeting to give a first-hand account of the mission in action. Or show a short video (no more than 5 minutes) of service delivery. This can inspire a Board to take their role seriously.
I’m working with a small organization with a Board of just nine members. They had become very complacent and would not participate in any fundraising. After a heart-to-heart talk, they admitted that they just weren’t totally committed to the organization. They said they felt disconnected. So, at the next Board meeting, we brought in a key volunteer to tell about his experiences in delivering the organization’s service. He spoke for about 30 minutes and afterward, people were visibly moved. We were then able to have a serious conversation about what needed to happen to move the organization forward. It didn’t take long for them to realize that what they really need is more money – money to run programs, money to hire staff, money to deliver their mission.
This Board story has a happy ending. Try these techniques with your Board and see how your story ends.
Recent Comments