Board Fundraising: 6 myths debunked

Board fundraising is one of the most critical aspects of any nonprofit’s success, yet it often remains one of the most misunderstood and underutilized tools. The role of a nonprofit board extends far beyond governance and oversight—board members are also responsible for helping to raise the funds that fuel the organization’s mission. However, many nonprofit professionals struggle to fully engage their boards in fundraising efforts.
In this article, we’ll dispel some common myths around board fundraising and provide actionable steps that can help nonprofit leaders better engage their boards in the fundraising process. Whether you’re a nonprofit executive, development officer, or a board member yourself, understanding how to effectively approach board fundraising can dramatically impact your organization’s ability to reach its financial goals.
Dispelling the Myths of Board Fundraising
Myth 1: Board members should focus on governance, not fundraising.
Many board members—and even nonprofit leaders—believe that a board’s primary responsibility is governance and oversight, not fundraising. While it’s true that governance is a key role, fundraising is just as essential. In fact, fundraising is one of the core responsibilities of a nonprofit board. Every board member should see themselves as a key player in the organization’s financial health, not just in decision-making or oversight.
Myth 2: Board members aren’t comfortable asking for money, and that’s okay.
It’s common to hear board members say they aren’t comfortable asking for donations, but this reluctance often stems from a misunderstanding of what board fundraising really entails. Board members don’t always have to be the ones asking for large gifts. They can contribute in many other ways, such as connecting staff with potential donors, hosting fundraising events, or even giving feedback on fundraising strategies. The idea that fundraising equals asking for money is too narrow a definition.
Myth 3: A board member’s only fundraising role is to make a personal donation.
While it’s important for board members to lead by example with personal contributions, that is only the beginning. Board fundraising involves much more than just writing a check—it’s about helping the organization build and strengthen its donor base. Board members should actively participate in fundraising activities, including donor cultivation, stewardship, and sharing the organization’s story.
Now that we’ve cleared up some common misconceptions, let’s dive into how nonprofits can better engage their boards in fundraising efforts.
Actionable Steps to Engage Boards in Fundraising
1. Set Clear Expectations for Board Fundraising
The first step in engaging your board in fundraising is to set clear expectations from the start. Too often, board members are recruited without a full understanding of their fundraising responsibilities. Make it clear that fundraising is a key part of their role and include it in their job description.
During the onboarding process, have candid conversations about what board fundraising will look like, and provide examples of the various ways board members can contribute to fundraising efforts. This includes everything from making a personal contribution to helping identify potential donors or hosting small events.
If you’re unsure where to start, you can work with an expert nonprofit consultant. Check out Nonprofit Freelancers for professionals who can help with strategic board engagement.
2. Provide Fundraising Training
One of the most common reasons board members shy away from fundraising is that they feel unprepared or uncomfortable. You can help alleviate this by providing training in areas like donor cultivation, how to make an ask, and how to share the organization’s mission effectively.
Bringing in a professional fundraising coach or consultant to train your board can be a game-changer. These experts can teach board members the skills they need while building their confidence. Providing ongoing learning opportunities also ensures that board members are always growing in their ability to support fundraising initiatives.
For organizations looking for experts, Nonprofit Freelancers offers access to skilled fundraising consultants who can provide tailored training to nonprofit boards.
3. Empower Board Members to Leverage Their Networks
One of the biggest advantages that board members bring to the table is their personal and professional networks. Empower your board members to tap into their connections by hosting events, making introductions, or sharing your nonprofit’s story on social media.
Host donor cultivation events where board members can invite their contacts to learn more about the organization. These events can be anything from casual dinners to formal presentations. The key is to create a setting where board members can comfortably introduce your organization to potential donors without the pressure of making a direct ask.
4. Make Fundraising a Collaborative Effort
Fundraising shouldn’t fall entirely on the shoulders of the board, but it should be a collaborative effort between board members and staff. Work together to create a plan that aligns with each board member’s strengths and interests. Some board members may be more comfortable with direct solicitation, while others may excel at event planning or donor cultivation.
Encouraging a collaborative approach to board fundraising helps reduce the fear or discomfort that some board members may have. Instead of feeling like they are working in isolation, they become part of a larger team effort where each person plays a unique role.
5. Celebrate and Acknowledge Board Fundraising Successes
Celebrating wins is critical for keeping momentum and morale high. When board members successfully participate in fundraising efforts—whether by securing a donation, hosting an event, or making an important connection—celebrate it. Publicly acknowledging their efforts in board meetings, newsletters, and events helps to reinforce their importance and encourages continued involvement.
Offering tangible rewards, such as thank-you gifts, recognition plaques, or even just public shout-outs, can also be highly motivating.
6. Make Fundraising Fun
Fundraising doesn’t have to be stressful or uncomfortable. One of the best ways to engage your board in fundraising is to make it fun. This can involve hosting creative fundraising events, such as a charity auction, gala, or even a casual happy hour where board members can introduce their friends and colleagues to your organization.
You can also create friendly competitions among board members to see who can raise the most money or bring in the most new donors. Injecting a little friendly rivalry into the process can make fundraising more exciting and engaging.
External Resources for Board Fundraising Success
Nonprofits that want to improve their board fundraising efforts should also take advantage of external resources and best practices available online. Some helpful sites include:
- BoardSource offers a wealth of information and resources on nonprofit governance and board fundraising. Their guides can help organizations set clear expectations and train board members for fundraising success. Check out their resources here.
- The Nonprofit Leadership Center offers insights on engaging boards in fundraising, including webinars and workshops. Explore more on their site here.
By engaging with these resources and working with experienced nonprofit consultants, you can better equip your board to help raise the funds your organization needs to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Board fundraising is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for any nonprofit serious about its mission and financial health. By dispelling common myths and actively engaging board members in the fundraising process, nonprofits can leverage the incredible power that boards bring to the table.
Whether it’s through personal contributions, networking, or hosting events, board members play a vital role in helping nonprofits raise the money they need to continue their work. If your board isn’t as involved in fundraising as you’d like them to be, now is the time to take action.
Hiring an experienced fundraising professional can help your organization create and execute a comprehensive plan for engaging your board in fundraising efforts. To connect with a consultant who can guide you through the process, visit Nonprofit Freelancers.