1. Make Sure Every Board Member Can Clearly Articulate Your Mission
This sounds like a no-brainer, but you might be surprised at how common a challenge this is.
We can’t take for granted that Board members know your organization’s talking points (even if you’ve shared them before). I just read a story about a nonprofit Executive Director who learned that a few of her Board members who had served for over 5 years weren’t aware of several of the organization’s programs. 😨
Now, that’s an extreme case, but the lesson we learn from it is simple:
Before board members can confidently talk about your nonprofit, they need to be clear on what you do, who you serve, and how your programs work. Sometimes board members hesitate to join fundraising conversations because they're unsure about the details of the work. If they don't feel equipped with the right information, they'll avoid the conversation altogether.
You can start small by helping your board feel prepared with simple, clear talking points on your mission and programs. But I’m also a firm believer that all Board members of a nonprofit should experience volunteering in your programs, talking to those you serve, or seeing the work firsthand in some other way. When they've personally witnessed what the organization does, it becomes much easier to talk about it authentically.
💡 Try this: Create a simple one-pager with 3-5 key talking points about your mission, who you serve, and your impact. Share it with your board and have them practice explaining it together at your next meeting.
2. Involve Board Members in The Parts of Fundraising Where They’re NOT Asking For Money
When people think of fundraising, their minds go to one thing first: Asking for money.
It makes sense. That’s often the most visible part of it.
But in reality? Fundraising is about 5% asking for money and about 95% planning, outreach, and relationship building.
It’s highly likely that your Board members don’t realize that. That they are sitting there thinking to themselves, “Help with fundraising? But I’m nervous to ask for money!”
The not-so-secret “secret” is that effective fundraising happens when you build and maintain relationships with donors throughout the year. That means there are many very valuable ways board members can contribute to fundraising without ever making a direct ask.
Board members can help with donor thank-you notes or calls. They can assist with event logistics. They can share updates about your organization with their networks. They can participate in public speaking opportunities or volunteer at events where they meet potential supporters.
When board members realize that fundraising involves many activities beyond "the ask," I’ve seen how they breathe a sigh of relief and become a lot more willing to participate.
💡 Try this: Make a list of all the fundraising-related activities your nonprofit needs to do throughout the year (thank-you calls, event support, social media sharing, public speaking, etc.). Share it with your board and ask each member to choose 2-3 activities they feel comfortable committing to.
3. Ensure 100% Board Giving (Even If It's Just $1)
One of the most powerful ways board members can support fundraising is by leading by example. When every board member has personally contributed to the organization, it builds credibility with potential donors.
Why? It’s psychology - Why would a stranger give to your cause if your own leader(s) don’t? Donors feel more comfortable saying yes when they know the people asking have also given. It shows commitment and makes it easier for board members to invite others to support the work.
Acknowledging that we live in a world where not everyone (understandably) has a lot of money to contribute, let me just say: What matters most is that board members can honestly say they contributed (not the exact dollar amount). My personal advice here is to ask board members to give what they’re able at any given time, understanding that may look different for each person.
💡 Try this: Make 100% board giving a goal for your organization. Even small contributions from every board member show you're all invested in the mission.
One more thing…
Learning fundraising skills is an ongoing practice. It’s not going to happen overnight. If you really want your board to succeed in supporting fundraising, invest in training opportunities throughout the year. Confidence happens with practice and exposure!
Want even more ideas? 🎥 Watch:
These three strategies are just the beginning. I dive into all seven ways to help your board feel confident in fundraising in my full YouTube video here.
Try it this week 🚀
Pick one of these three strategies and take action on it this week. Create talking points for your board, make a list of fundraising activities they can help with, or start a conversation about 100% board giving. Small steps lead to big changes in your board's confidence about fundraising.
What's your biggest challenge when it comes to board fundraising? Is it getting your board to participate, helping them feel confident, or something else?
