THE MOST EFFECTIVE

BOARDS

Board Membership Makes Sense

Board members:

• Know why they serve on a board

• Operate with clear expectations.

• Are knowledgeable learners.

• Govern on a board in regular meetings and related committee work (Time).

• Are personally committed financially and help raise money! (Treasure)

• Offer their own special gifts, abilities, and connections (Talent).

• Term lengths, the duties of officers, and the election process are clear.

The Role of the Board Makes Sense

Board members wear two hats.

The governance and volunteer hat – governance when the

board is in session, and only in concert with other board members. The volunteer hat in committee work, fund raising, giving time and talent - just like any other volunteer.

Governance - Board Leadership

– In governance, boards set and maintain direction.

– Not over-controlling (discourages good managers).

– Not under-controlling (risk of going off course).

The Role of the Board Makes Sense - Continued

Boards represent stakeholders. Who are they?

Six Board Roles

1. Boards guard the organization’s identity.

2. Boards commit to accomplishment.

3. Boards focus on the future.

4. Boards define the staff-board relationship.

5. Boards create and operate with governing policies.

6. Boards develop and maintain strength.

Common Mistakes

• Most Common Mistakes Made in Recruiting Board Members

• 1. Lack of a clear understanding of what is required of Board Members

Common Mistakes

• Lack of Clear Job Description

• 100% of Boards must be donors.

• Attend all Meetings

Common Mistakes

• Serve on a Committee

• Understanding that this is a “Governing Board”, not a “Management Board”

Common Mistakes

• Members who serve on too many boards or unable to commit to the time and

energy required.

• Should be in the top 3 priorities for

• Time

• Talent

• Dollars

.

Common Mistakes

• Not-for-Profit Boards are Fund Raising Boards

• Not everyone is a Fund Raiser

• But must be willing to introduce their network to the Mission and Needs of the Organization.

Common Mistakes

• Understanding that the Board’s only employee is the Executive Director/Superintendent

• Failure to support and evaluate the performance of the ED/Super

Common Mistakes

• Hold the ED/Super accountable for reporting and communicating with the Board

• Written Progress Reports on Goals and Objectives

• Regular Finance and Fundraising Reports

Common Mistakes

• Dashboard Reports

• Progress on the Annual Fund Raising Plan

• Celebrations of Significant Progress

• Recognition of Outstanding Staff Accomplishments

Partnership with the Board in

Fundraising

Form a Development Committee

Partnership with the Board in

Fundraising - Continued

Typically, only 20% of any board is willing and capable to be involved in direct donor solicitation.

What Your Board Development

Committee Should Be Doing

• PROVIDE REACH. Your board is an extension of your staff. It provides your organization with more horsepower than it can afford financially.

• Cheerlead. A significant part of the role of the Development Committee is to build a culture of enthusiasm for fundraising on the board.

• Training. We may assume that because the Board member has a background in Marketing or Sales or some other field that he/she understands the principles of resource development. Training and orientation are essential.

• Networking. Each member of the Development Committee is assigned a list of #1s. (Your top donors/Prospects)

• Networking. It is best, when possible to assign donors or prospects where the Development Committee member already has a relationship and key influence.

• The Development Plan. Members of the Development Committee should be involved in helping to design and develop the Annual Development Plan, so they can understand their crucial role in it’s success.

• Making Donor Calls. Development is a “Team Sport”! Calls on donors/prospects are most successful when made in teams of two.

• Executive Director/Director of Development or Board Chair. These three are most often available to join with the Development Committee member for the call.

The Development Team Chair

• The Development Team Chair Person is the key person for holding the members of the Team accountable for making their donor calls.

• This is the most important part of their leadership role.

The Team and Giving

• A Development Team member needs to be giving sacrificially themselves.

• You cannot ask donors to give if you are not giving yourself!

• A Development Team members should be able to handle up to 3-5 relationships.

REMEMBER

• Three touches/calls before the next ask.

• When making the ask, always use the Case Statement.

• Be prepared to make a specific $$ amount ask.

• If asked for some time to consider the request, always ask when they would like you to follow up with them.

• HAVE FUN!