fundraiser

The previous post discussed how a board can assist in achieving the fundraising objectives of the organisation but these won’t be achieved without a motivated board.  This post will focus on ways a board can be strategically managed and motivated to achieve the objectives.

In conjunction with this review of the key objectives of the organisation to achieve the fundraising objectives the board needs to undertake a review of their own skills and how they can be utilised that specifically relate to the attainment of these objectives.  This can be achieved by following these steps:

  • Prioritise each objective and establish exactly what is required to achieve it.  This includes timelines, actual actions that are required to be undertaken, what resources may be required as well as financial targets.
  • Be clear about the role of the board member in the activity.  For example, will they lead the process to fundraise or will they assist other activities and play more of a supporting role.  For example, often just having a board member turn up to an event to meet people can have a significant impact for the fundraising activity.
  • Establish outcomes and objectives that relate to each activity.  Again, as these fundraising activities are strategic they need to be linked to specific objectives.  As such, be clear about them and where practical set key performance indicators to measure the performance and outcomes of the objectives.
  • Each board member should be accountable.  This is important in identifying whether additional help may be required.  For example, at each board meeting there should be an agenda item for board members to report back on how they have been going with their fundraising activity.  As a result this can be used to identify whether additional resources or assistance may be required.  In some cases it may be decided to re prioritise the activity or change direction to focus on new objectives. 

One outcome from this process is that you may identify a gap in the skills and mix of the board such that some of the main priorities and objectives cannot be met.  If this is the case then you may need to recruit the right person to fill and address this gap.

The next post will discuss actual ways to utilise the board to actual go out and strategically raise funds.