September 3, 2014
Opinions are divided in the nonprofit world over how to best use an organization's board for fundraising efforts. There have been a variety of opinions offered on the issue, from having board members actively participate in such efforts, to reserving their interaction for longtime, high-level and otherwise desirable donors. For many nonprofit groups, finding the right fit for involving the board directly in gathering contributions will be an individual process that balances the cachet of these leaders in the community with the practical problems that occur when people untrained in fundraising are thrust into such a role.
One area where board members can be more effective is in the general area of raising awareness. Fundraisers must have certain background experience to effectively raise money. Just because a board member cares about a nonprofit organization doesn't mean they have the knowledge, personality or thought process that's most conducive to getting donations. What all board members do have – at least in theory – is passion for the cause being supported by an organization and knowledge of its projects and programs. For this reason, it's easier to use board members in an awareness raising role where their involvement in the operations of a nonprofit shine through.
Getting the most out of board member efforts
Nonprofit marketing blog Getting Attention suggests enhancing the ability of board members to raise awareness by doing some simple training. One such exercise is to sit down with the board members during or after a meeting and have them tell, and write down, the story of why they serve on the board. Members will already know their personal stories, but articulating them can make a big difference when it comes to raising awareness and speaking with others for the first time.
The Nonprofit Resource Network highlighted one particular area where board members can be especially effective: communicating with important and highly regarded members of the local community. Board members will often travel in the same circles as local and area business leaders, and can focus their awareness raising efforts on the people who themselves hold a high level of influence. This is an area where the leaders of a nonprofit can provide a great benefit to their organizations.
Content presented by First Nonprofit Group, the leading provider of state unemployment insurance solutions for 501(c)(3) nonprofit employers.
Ready to chat? Get in touch today to request a no-obligation savings evaluation.
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.
The Ensight Skills Center has enjoyed working with First Nonprofit for several years. We are enrolled in their Unemployment Savings Program and although we have not required a lot of intervention, there have been a few times. I know others have dealt with the same problem of unemployment fraud over the last year and in our case, a call to First Nonprofit (they actually answer their phones) cleared up the issue. They also sent us a letter to send to all our employees telling them what they needed to do to prevent this in the future and protect themselves. What a relief! Over the years if I have questions or concerns, they are happy to listen, advise and help if they can. Another BIG advantage of using First Nonprofit is that all the money that is paid into the Unemployment Savings Program lives on my balance sheet as an asset. The money continues to be Ensight’s not the governments. First Nonprofit has certainly given me peace of mind.
In addition to their money-saving purpose on behalf of nonprofit organizations like AHS, First Nonprofit’s Nonprofit Unemployment Fund streamlines the information we need to efficiently manage unemployment claims. Our relationship with NU Fund gave us access to such things as advice on planning for what’s ahead and how to analyze cost scenarios when unexpected events occurred. Both experiences were very helpful.
We have had a great experience with FNP. During Covid, when there was the chance that reimbursable nonprofits would have to pay 50% of the unemployment costs, FNP went to bat for us. We would receive weekly information on the Unemployment claim and how they were working to reduce the costs to reimbursable nonprofits. They have a great service also working with [our claims administrator] to make sure all the paperwork is completed correctly for any unemployment claim.
PORT Health Services has had a great experience with the Unemployment Savings Program offered through First Nonprofit. Throughout the years we have been involved in the program, we have increased our reserve account significantly through this program and find the reporting we receive both timely and useful. We look forward to our continued involvement with this program and our connection with First Nonprofit for many years to come.
Job One was spending a lot of money on unemployment. Our insurance broker, Mark Simcosky, recommended that we switch over to First Nonprofit. We did just that! This switch has been a huge savings for us! This switch saved us over $10,000 in the first year. Their customer service is Superior! Any time we have a question, we get a response very quickly. Any time we send them a report and they have a question; they call rather than just assuming. They were very responsive during COVID, even when they were in crisis mode their selves. They also were always there when we needed during COVID and very helpful! We would 1,000% recommend First Nonprofit to anybody that could benefit from it!
My experience with FNP has always been positive. Every time I have had to contact them, I’m always put in contact with a friendly and knowledgeable person. If something is missing from our account, they reach out to us to request it. It’s nice to work with a company that makes sure our account is current. I would recommend them to any nonprofit looking to reduce their unemployment insurance costs.
We’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars PER YEAR by changing to become a reimbursing employer, freeing funds for much needed capital investment. FNP has been a valued partner in this process, providing assurance that we have stopgap coverage for extraordinary claims and keeping claims response painless and simple. It’s a huge Win/Win!