You are on fire.
Your enthusiasm, your energy, your goals… they are something to aspire to.
So why, when you walk into the board room, does everything get quiet and uncomfortable? 😖
Your board isn’t matching your energy, and you have to fix it fast.
The truth is: Major gift fundraising is nearly impossible without the buy-in and participation of your board.
But, it’s not the end of the world. You just have to switch to a 10x mindset and make a few tough decisions.
Here are three reasons why your board may not be “on board” with your vision:
- You have the wrong people on your board.
- You aren’t being ambitious enough about board expectations.
- Your board isn’t aware of your expectations.
So how can you fix it?
First, if your board members can’t or won’t fulfill their obligations, you need to say goodbye. Start thinking with an abundance mindset. There are people out there who have the means and the affinity to the mission who can and will match your energy.
Second, it’s highly likely you aren’t expecting enough out of your board members. Remember, it is every member’s fiduciary responsibility to help fundraise, AND that includes giving their personal contributions. Quick tip: Aim high. If you ask for more, you’ll get it. Ask/require your board members to contribute a sum that is personally significant to them.
Third, be clear and straightforward about your expectations. If you want a base contribution of $30,000 from each member, tell them from the start. If you expect to tap their networks, be clear about it. Clear is kind.
And finally, it’s possible that you just need more training for yourself and your board to get really comfortable with the concept and execution of major gift fundraising. When you’re confident and decisive, your board will follow suit.
That’s why I’m here! Check out my 6-month major gift fundraising program, Big Ask Gifts! It’s a full-scope strategy that will help you find, nurture, and convert major donors to 10x your budget and get you and your board in fighting shape.
Ready to lead your board towards a future where fundraising becomes a shared passion, not just a responsibility? Check out this week’s podcast episode below to find out the how and why of it all. 👇👇👇
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🚀 Is your board more like a stubborn mule than a spirited stallion when it comes to fundraising? 🐴
On today’s edition of Nonprofit Lowdown, we’re diving into a burning question that keeps many of you up at night: “Why won’t my board fundraise?”😡
You’re not alone in this struggle—research shows only 41% of boards are engaged in fundraising. Shocking, right?
In this episode, we get real about the multitude of reasons why boards shy away from fundraising duties—from lack of awareness and understanding of their roles to deeper issues like money baggage. We discuss strategies to energize your board: assessing willingness and skill, empowering through training, and setting clear and achievable expectations.
💡 Discover:
- How to diagnose and address the specific reasons behind your board’s fundraising hesitance.
- Effective methods to transform your board from passive participants to active champions of your cause.
Tired of doing the heavy lifting alone? Tune into this episode for practical tips that will help you craft a board that not only understands their fundraising role but excels at it!
Listen to the full episode right here 🎧: Ep. 287- Why Your Board Isn’t Participating in Fundraising.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/287-why-your-board-isnt-participating-in-fundraising/id1436858854?i=1000656140550
If you’re looking for a full-scope strategy that could 10x your budget by helping you find, nurture, & convert major donors, I’ve got you! Check out the Big Ask Gifts Program! Our next cohort begins June 13. Apply today!
