From my experience working with boards as a Senior Fundraising Leader and Consultant, I’ve noticed a recurring challenge: reluctance to fundraise.

But why is this the case?

Here are some key reasons:

◾ Lack of Clear Roles: Many board members don’t have a defined job description or term limits, leading to confusion about their responsibilities.

◾ Resistance to Learning: Some board members are not open to learning about fundraising or believe they already know it all.

◾ Unclear Expectations: Fundraising expectations are often not made clear during recruitment or onboarding, leaving members unsure of their role in this crucial area.

◾ Inadequate Support: Boards aren’t always managed or supported with clarity on how and what is expected of them. Asking someone to “raise $5k by reaching out to friends” can be intimidating. A more targeted approach, like “Would you be open to introducing me to Ms. X, who might be interested in our work?” is far more effective.

Boards that excel at fundraising usually have a few things in common:

✅ Strong Leadership: A board chair who leads with vision and clarity.

✅ Give/Get Policy: Clear expectations for financial contributions, whether through giving or fundraising.

✅ Dedicated Staff Support: Professional support to guide and assist board members in their fundraising efforts.

If your board is struggling with fundraising, we can help!
Let’s connect and discuss how we can work together to turn your board into a fundraising powerhouse.