Roadmap to Success: 7 Steps in Preparing Your Board for Fundraising

Learn how to lead your board through the fundraising process with this step-by-step guide.

1. Plan Your Route

Remind your Board that they are never alone in the fundraising process. They will always have the support of the development and/or campaign team behind them.

2. Start Your Engine

Start with the foundation: Fundraising 101. Give your Board the basics of fundraising – just the ‘need-to-knows.’ What is the fundraising process at your organization and who will be managing the fundraising?

3. Fasten Your Seatbelt

Now may also be a good time to review: What are the expectations of your Board? Do Board members have a fundraising goal?

4. Start Your Journey

Next, help Board members determine their role in the fundraising process. Not every Board member will be comfortable with fundraising, but every Board member has an important role in the process. To be a helpful participant in fundraising does not always involve asking for money; You can be a connector, a storyteller, a visionary, a closer, or some combination!

5. Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Now is a good time to take notes on where people express interest in volunteer leadership. Who can help plan events? Who should be accompanying your Major Gift Officers to make an ask? Where do people feel the most comfortable and confident? You will want to reach out to Board members individually to discuss further.

6. Tune Up Your Pitch

Every car needs a tune-up before a long journey. Similarly, your Board members need to fine-tune their elevator pitches. A well-prepared pitch is like a polished car – it should run smoothly and impress those who hear it. A strong pitch talks about impact, uniqueness and urgency at your organization in a concise manner (we recommend 30-60 seconds for an elevator pitch). The pitch should speak to Board members’ individual passions for the organization, and it should be in their own “voice.”Help spark inspiration for the elevator pitch by providing the Board with resources from your organization, like videos and impact reports. You might also prompt Board members with questions like, “Why did you get involved with this organization, and what keeps you here?”Practice, practice, practice!Make time for your Board members to do some roleplay and practice their elevator pitches. It’s even better if you can all practice together! During the roleplay, give your Board opportunities to team up with each other to ‘make an ask’ and have other Board members give feedback. Everyone can learn something from a fellow fundraiser, and this helps make fundraising less intimidating.

7. Arrive at Your Destination

Pause and ask your Board how they feel after the session. Did it help them become more comfortable with the process? Would they like more sessions? Keep the Board engaged by celebrating milestones. Your Board wants to be involved – don’t be afraid to check-in with Board members to see how they might be able to plug into the fundraising process.