What is the board's role in fundraising?
One of the key responsibilities of a nonprofit board is to ensure that the organization has enough resources to fulfill its mission. Thus, board members are often encouraged, even required, to participate in the fundraising efforts of an organization.
Many nonprofits will expect board members to make at least a minimal personal contribution in order to demonstrate their support for the organization and to serve as a model for other donors. Board members can also play a key role in soliciting funds, in-kind donations, and pro bono services from individuals, institutions, and corporations. Fundraising encompasses not only the financial aspects of one-on-one solicitations, special events fundraising, and other methods, but also bringing resources and skills into the organization through their own network to further the mission of the organization.
Seven Lessons Learned from Nonprofit Leaders, our free video, provides tips on working in a variety of areas with your board, including fundraising. The video includes a link to a downloadable Board Member Fundraising Worksheet.
To learn more about strengthening your board through pro bono, visit the Taproot Foundation's website.
Beyond Cash Guide for Nonprofit Boards is a guide on how nonprofit boards can tap pro bono and in-kind resources, co-written by Taproot Foundation and BoardSource.
Powered by Pro Bono: The Nonprofits Step-by-Step Guide to Scoping, Securing, Managing, and Scaling Pro Bono Resources is Taproot Foundation's how-to guide for bringing capacity building resources into your nonprofit.
See also our related Knowledge Base articles:
- How can I learn about developing my nonprofit's board?
- Where can I find information on a board's legal duties?
- How can I find board members for my nonprofit?
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Ask usExplore resources curated by our staff for this topic:
Staff-recommended websites
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BoardSouce
Board Fundraising Policy
Outlines the key elements of board fundraising policies, gives practical tips for creating these policies, and provides a sample policy.
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Staff pick
Taproot Foundation
Taproot Plus
Taproot's site will match you with the volunteers you're looking for.
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Asking Matters
Produced by fundraising professionals Andrea Kihlstedt and Brian Saber, Asking Matters addresses the challenge of helping board members feel comfortable and prepared in asking for gifts, by providing tools based on the concept of personal Asking Styles.
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Staff pick
Blue Avocado
Should Board Members Be Required to Give?
Are board giving requirements a best practice or a bad idea? Editor Jan Masaoka reports on trends and explores the debate.
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Staff pick
Board Café (CompassPoint Nonprofit Services)
The Board Should Raise Money: True or False?
Explains how the board's role in financial accountability is related to its involvement in fundraising. Emphasizes the need for setting clear expectations regarding the board's responsibilities in fundraising.
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LiveAbout
Why Nonprofits Should Require Board Members to Donate and Fundraise
This article argues that nonprofits reap many benefits from requiring a financial commitment from board members.
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BoardSource
BoardSource (formerly the National Center for Nonprofit Boards) provides an excellent selection of board resources for both members and non-members. Hover over the word "Topics" to find the resource library.
Staff-recommended books
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Engaged Boards Will Fundraise!
Find: Amazon | Free eBook
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Boards That Love Fundraising
Find: Amazon | Free eBook
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A Fundraising Guide for Nonprofit Board Members
Find: Amazon | Free eBook
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High Performance Boards: Improving and Energizing your Governance
Find: Amazon | Free eBook