3 Fundraising Problems and 3 Fundraising Solutions
“Fundraising is motivating and asking others to share with you in a great adventure, a vision, a dream.” ~ Jerold Panas
At K&J Strategic Solutions, we find fundraising is one of the most prominent challenges organizations and board members encounter. Board members often acknowledge that they lack the confidence and skills to fundraise effectively. Board members see fundraising as an opportunity for them both as an individual and a collective to improve. This blog focuses on some common problems and straightforward solutions nonprofits may implement to improve fundraising outcomes.
At K&J Strategic Solutions, we find that when the board indicates at least one or all three of the following statements, there are some issues with fundraising at the board level. Typically dissatisfaction in the area of fundraising for board members comes in three forms:
Problem #1: There is a lack of clarity about the board of directors’ role in fundraising compared to paid staff.
Solution: Create a working board Fundraising Committee that focuses on specific goals around diversifying funding like creating an annual event or campaign.
Problem #2: A feeling of dissatisfaction with the board’s activities related to fundraising. In other words, the board has not approved an overall strategy for fundraising.
Solution: Involve the board and key staff members in the strategic planning process. In this space, the board and staff will create agreed-upon goals and strategies around fundraising for the board’s fundraising committee. A board member should chair this committee but allow staff and volunteers to support the significant fundraising work.
Problem #3: Individual board members are reluctant or lack knowledge about engaging in fundraising activities.
Solution: Provide initial fundraising training to every board member and staff member. Encourage all board members, staff, and volunteers to be a “cultivator” of donors by simply sharing your mission, a story about your organization’s impact, and sharing this potential new donor’s information with the fundraising committee or development staff for follow up.
Creating a strategic plan that includes goals and objectives for the organization’s Fundraising Committee is essential. In addition, empowering board members, staff, and volunteers with fundraising training, tools, and strategies will significantly assist in growing the donor base and funds for the organization.
