What Every Nonprofit Board Should Understand About Fundraising

Board members sometimes hear the word fundraising and picture themselves asking friends for checks. That's one possible role, but it isn't the whole responsibility.

Governance comes first

A board must understand the organization's financial position, review revenue assumptions, and support a credible plan. Directors should be able to ask informed questions without micromanaging staff.

There are many ways to participate

Board members can make introductions, thank donors, identify potential partners, attend gatherings, share expertise, and represent the mission well. Different people have different strengths.

Set expectations before there's a crisis

Discuss fundraising responsibilities during recruitment and orientation. Put agreed-upon expectations in writing. Offer training rather than assuming every director arrived knowing how development works.

Support the executive director

Staff and board have different responsibilities. The board should champion the plan, monitor progress, and contribute at the governance level, not issue conflicting instructions to staff members.

Put it into practice

At your next meeting, ask every director to identify one specific fundraising contribution they can make during the next quarter.

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