ROUSE YOUR BOARD TO RAISE $

Hank Rosso, fundraising guru and founder of the Fund Raising School at the University of Indiana, said “Fund raisers must take the wisdom of leadership (art) and apply it to management and administration (science).” He described major gift fundraising as the right leader asking the right prospect for the right amount for the right organization at the right time. The hard reality for nonprofit organizations is the endless need for the board to participate in fundraising solicitations. However aloof, unwilling or unenthusiastic they may be toward supporting the organization beyond their own gifts, ultimately, they must participate. If not the leadership, then who?

How does a development officer convince board members to be involved?

1. Empower them through training, systemization and accountability.
2. Teach them how to take the fear out of asking for the gift.
3. Show them the benefit of leveraging their relationships.
4. Assure peer accountability with leaders who model behavior.
5. Motivate and persuade with grace.

Each Board is unique and has its own idiosyncrasies. If you need help, call us: 847.227.7174.