Nonprofit Boards and Fundraising

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Nonprofit Boards and Fundraising Why is it so scary? Kingmakers Consulting

Transcript of Nonprofit Boards and Fundraising

Page 1: Nonprofit Boards and Fundraising

Nonprofit Boards and FundraisingWhy is it so scary?

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Page 2: Nonprofit Boards and Fundraising

What We’re Going To Talk About Basic Fundraising Facts

hardly anyone likes asking for money, and most groups don’t have deep-pocket boards!

Roles & Responsibilities the board won’t succeed without good staff support.

Fund Development precedes fund raising and effective “asks”

Good communications and story-telling are essential to success.

Nine steps to successful individual donor campaigns.

Dialogue, share ideas about what works

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Page 3: Nonprofit Boards and Fundraising

There are several types of fundraising, each with it’s own unique style of “ask”. And let’s not forget the EVENTS! Major Gifts

This is when an individual or company gives a gift over a certain amount agreed upon by the Board, ED and Development staff. Usually in the five figure range.

Naming opportunities, where donors give large amounts and their name is placed on the building of the charity

Grassroots Fundraising Usually small groups of volunteers raising money through community

events Planned Giving Charitable trusts, annuities and life insurance gifts Annual Giving Last minute gift drives at the end of the year or annual events Events Annual events such as Galas or Golf Tournaments, Walks, etc.

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Page 4: Nonprofit Boards and Fundraising

Board Responsibilities The board of directors is responsible for

ensuring that the organization has sufficient resources to carry out its mission. Even when the board delegates this work to the staff, it retains ultimate responsibility for funding the organization.

But…does the Board really know what exactly this entails?

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Page 5: Nonprofit Boards and Fundraising

Most Board members find fundraising intimidating and find excuses to avoid it completely. I give my time, that’s

enough. I don’t know the right

people. Fund raising is belittling. Raising money is the

role of the development staff.

My work on the board has to do with policy.

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Remember, YOU are the ultimate giver, you give your time, talent and, in most cases, money to the charity already!

Tell your story, the rest will follow! Use your contact list

The Development Director will do the work, you just provide the “foot in the door”

Host a dinner party Look at who profits from business

with you Who do you know is as passionate

about your charity as you are?

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Working with your staff There is a reason you pay your staff the

salary you do. They are the experts, so do yourself a favor and listen to what they have to say

Set a clear fundraising goal and stick to it Provide board members with training,

clear assignments, reminders, ongoing reports and updates, inspiration

Follow through on your promises

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KNOW THE MISSION! Board members need to know what the “gap”

is, how big it is, and what won’t happen if the gap isn’t closed 

Board members need to see the mission in action and learn success stories first-hand 

Most board members need help describing the mission and services and learning how to tell at least one success story succinctly 

Aspects of your money conversations should be part of every board meeting (and not just the ED’s report)

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Understand the need! Do you truly know what needs your

organization has? Do you know the budget shortfalls? Do you have a budget and fundraising

goals? Do you have a clear understanding of

which programs need what and when?

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Good communication is critical to success! Tell your story!

Stories inspire others to give Supporters and potential supporters

are moved by stories shared with authenticity and clarity 

Potential donors want to know what the “gap” is, how big it is, and what won’t happen if the gap isn’t closed 

Tell your stories continually to broad target audiences: board, current donors, audiences, neighbors… Use all sorts of venues and formats

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Nine steps to successful donor campaigns 1. Campaign is led and

supported by key volunteer and/or staff leadership

2. Campaign is supported and managed by at least one staff.

3. ALL board members participate in some capacity.

4. The goal is well defined, there is a clear message of need and a specific timeline that creates a sense of urgency.

5. Campaign creates an emotional connection –making it personal for people to participate.

6. Keep donors and interested parties informed and engaged with follow-up emails, calls, meetings or letters.

7. Keep the goal visible in print all year, on website &via multiple forms of communication to encourage widespread participation.

8. Communicate & invite participants to do very specific things with a deadline for doing them.

9. Utilize a web-based donor data management system to allow others to assist with tracking donor contacts and gifts.

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Questions

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