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Are you getting the most out of your board?

 

Give, get, or get off.  
 
Those were the three G's of non profit board membership that I learned as a young fundraising professional. For a long time, I thought that only related to money. 
 
My understanding was that the only requirement for being on a Board of Directors at a non-profit was to give your own money, help the organization get someone else's money (individual, corporation or foundation) or it was time to get off the board so they could add someone that would. I have since discovered that view was a little short sighted.
 
Clearly organizations need board members who can help raise money, they would not be able to support their mission or survive without the financial support. But board members (and other volunteers) can be helpful in other ways.
 
Here are some other things that board members can provide to benefit the organization. 
  • Time. Not everyone's personal and professional schedules allow them extra time to manage events, work on projects, develop plans, or coordinate volunteers for the organization. Time can be a valuable resource to both large and small organizations. Just because they have time, does not necessarily mean they should be a board member, but it is something to consider.
  • Expertise. Having a board member who is an accountant, social media coordinator, marketer, event planner or fundraiser could be a valuable asset to the organization. These skills could save the organization significantly, but do not assume that a board member who is an accountant will want to manage the books.
  • Knowledge. Outside of their profession, board members might have additional knowledge that could be beneficial; be sure to explore their interests and other skills. Check out their social media accounts, see if they have fundraised for other non-profits or maybe they planned their whole wedding. This knowledge could add additional value and again save resources.
  • Network. The board may not have skills that could help the organization in certain resource saving areas, but they all have a network. Have you asked them to consider who else they might know that could help with needed resources. If you have the right board members, their networks might be as valuable as their donation.
These are other resources that all board members have and should be explored and understood. You may find value in having some board members who may not be able to give as much financially, but can deliver in these other areas.
 
Every non-profit organization is different and the resources they need from their boards will be different. For some, they just need their boards to give and raise money, but for many they need people committed to do whatever it takes to help complete the mission of the organization. This does not mean that board members do not need to be donors, completely the opposite. They all need to make a personally significant gift. They should also be the most invested supporters of your efforts, but that investment might look different for each one.
 
If they are engaged beyond their monetary gift, there is a strong likelihood that they will be more passionate about the organization. That usually leads to larger donations and providing more resources.
 
The one area that has not changed is the third G. If they are not providing any of these resources to the organization, it is likely time to have a conversation with them about their role and add someone who will.
 
 
 
 

 

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