3 tips to get board members involved in fundraising

July 15, 2013

3 tips to get board members involved in fundraising

Nonprofits usually have a board of decision-makers who are passionate about the cause of the organization, but that is not enough to bring in the funds needed to sustain success. While board members may feel that they hold a significant role, the truth is they have to be more proactive in fundraising if they want to help the nonprofit continue to sustain its current level of prosperity. Here are some tips to get all members of the leadership team on the same page to bring more money into the organization:

Give everyone a role: Fundraising requires more than just one or two members at the nonprofit trying to bring in donors. This is why Nonprofit Quarterly said it's important to make sure all board members know their role. Such jobs may include developing a financial structure, creating a budget and running leadership meetings.
Assess the needs of the organization: While all nonprofits need funding from donors and other sources, the specific needs of organizations vary. Board members must meet to understand exactly what parts of the entity should be improved to sustain the success of the nonprofit. Having extra money around is can be a huge help to top decision-makers.
Develop the story of the organization: Many board members have a deep connection to the cause of the nonprofit, but if they are involved in the story behind the entity, they'll feel even closer to the nonprofit. When employees have emotional ties to the nonprofit, they work harder to ensure that it has enough money and the organization continues to add to its donor network.

Testimonials

We first started using First Nonprofit’s Unemployment Savings Program when we were a small startup nonprofit. We didn’t have an HR department and needed expertise in the event that an unemployment claim was made. We knew we were eligible to be a reimbursing employer, but weren’t sure how to navigate that process. They made it easy to set things up, plan for, and then manage claims when they came at a very reasonable cost. The amount of time and stress they’ve saved us dealing with all this has been worth way more than the cost. We’ve now grown to a large nonprofit and do have an HR department but have no plans to stop using their services. I highly recommend them to every nonprofit I come into contact with!

CROSSPURPOSE, Denver, CO

Throughout our membership in the Unemployment Savings Program, First Nonprofit understood our demands, community dynamics, and the importance of seamless services; that allowed us to serve our constituents better.

Prevent Blindness America, Chicago, IL

Because INCS advocates for the operating conditions that allow charter public schools to provide high quality public education, partnering with First Nonprofit was an easy decision. First Nonprofit’s unemployment programs provide our member schools two operating elements crucial to their ability to provide high quality public education: savings and budget certainty. Capable, committed teachers are the key to student success. By participating in the unemployment insurance savings plan, charter public schools gain peace of mind and are able to invest more money in their teachers.

Illinois Network of Charter Schools, Chicago, IL

It has been our sincere pleasure to maintain a strong, vibrant business partnership with First Nonprofit. We greatly admire their strong industry knowledge, technical expertise, constant professionalism, knowledgeable and dedicated staff. They are always extremely responsive, personable and provide us with the necessary guidance and recommendations on a numerous variety of employment scenarios.

Thresholds, Chicago, IL

NYCON members who use First Nonprofit’s programs enjoy enduring savings and improved efficiency. Our association knows that success, because from the beginning, we achieved the same great benefits. Great savings, seamless technology, and responsive service. NYCON highly recommends First Nonprofit’s remarkable unemployment solutions.

New York Council of Nonprofits, Albany, NY

Visually Impaired Preschool Services has been a client of First Non-Profit since it was first offered as a benefit of VisionServe Alliance. We completed a thorough evaluation of cash savings to our agency before taking advantage of this wonderful benefit and it has been a very wise decision. Our experience with the processes from accounting to claims have been professional, expeditious and easy.

Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Louisville, KY

Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!

Neurologic Music Therapy Services of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ

First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.