Getting Your Board Involved in the Fundraising Process

Helen B. Arnold, CFRE May 2, 3013 Las Vegas, NV

Excellent Boards = Successful Organizations

Fundamentals
All nonprofit organizations must have a Board of Directors The statutory Duty of Care includes the Board obligation for financial health of the organization (including fundraising) Most Boards range from feeling uncomfortable to being terrified of fundraising
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Hard Truth

No Money No Mission

Plan for Fundraising Success

Recruit the right directors PASSION for the MISSION Willingness to
Invest the time Invest the focused energy Invest the personal financial support

To make it all work

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New Directors
Recruit new directors based on your Strategic Plan Cultivate the relationship before you ask Provide full organizational information Provide a clear set of expectations including fundraising
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Current Directors
Board Self Assessment: Know what your directors are thinking and feeling
About themselves as directors About overall board performance About how the organization is operating

Understand
Meet with each director individually Review the Assessment results Identify their personal concerns Create development plan that can include all levels of involvement. Start with baby steps.
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The Job of the Board

Determine Mission and Core Values Fiduciary Duty (including Conflict of Interest Policy) Set policies & monitor compliance Set overall annual programming Do long range (strategic) planning, with measurable objectives Secure financial viability of the organization (yes, that includes fundraising) Attend meetings, prepared Hire & evaluate performance of ED/CEO Provide volunteer leadership Do annual board evaluation
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NOT the Job of the Board

Daily operation Hiring, termination, evaluation of staff other than ED/CEO Implementation of Board policies and decisions Statistical, donor and program record keeping Direct management of staff
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No threat: Start at the Beginning

It is all about building relationships
Yearly Gifts lead to Major Gifts which lead to Estate Gifts

Have a good database dont lose donor information between events Have directors submit lists of names
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Annual Campaign contact donors where they are

Special Events Direct Mail Peer to Peer E-fundraising Cash Mob Home Parties
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Dont Drop the Ball!

Keep track of prospective donors! Touch them 4 times a year Thank them 7 times for each gift. Adopt certain high value prospects Keep excellent contact records
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It is a Process

Start now Keep going It does not happen overnight, but it does happen
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Thank You!
Helen B. Arnold, CFRE President/CEO Arnold Olson Associates 702-485-3224 cell: 319-431-2267 helen@arnoldolson.com

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