When it comes to getting your Board to raise funds for your organization, not every Board Member is equally capable or positioned to make a large donation. Below are six different ways that you can engage board members to give, get, or connect to your organization:
Ambassador
Members are equipped and comfortable talking to external audiences in their day-to-day lives about your organization, the campaign and its potential for impact, and – most critically – the need for support. This role can be additionally helpful by sharing back what members hear – what questions people are asking about the campaign, what resonates with them most, any concerns expressed, etc.
Connector
Members are willing to connect their personal and professional contacts with staff and/or other designated solicitors to learn more about the campaign and opportunities to give. Examples of connecting include making an introduction via email, or providing solicitors with the prospect’s contact information, and allowing your name to be used as a reference, to assure a ‘warm’ outreach.
Host
Members offer to hold – and optimally, underwrite costs of – private events or house parties at home or work for personal contacts, and/or play speaking roles and help cultivate targeted donors at official campaign events.
Cultivator
Members are willing to attend meetings with prospects that they have personally identified and are connected to. At this level, members are not required to make “the ask” for support. Rather, they will accompany solicitors to meetings and provide ‘color commentary’ as to why the campaign is important and why they – as donors as well as volunteer leaders – are donating their money and time to this cause. Speaking from the heart is the primary requirement.
Solicitor
Members are willing to directly ask their identified contacts, if not other donors, for financial support of the campaign at a specific amount or range.
Steward
Members are willing to thank donors to the campaign via direct phone calls and/or thank-you notes that supplement formal acknowledgment of campaign gifts. This can be facilitated in coordination with Board meetings, or occur independently.
Every Board member regardless of socio-economic background should be able to participate at least at one of these levels.