It’s the most wonderful time… to fundraise! The year-end season isn’t just about holiday cheer; it’s a golden opportunity for nonprofits to harness a wave of generosity that could define their year. With donations often peaking in these final months, nonprofits are poised to meet their goals—but they can’t do it alone.
This is where board members come in! Acting as champions, connectors, and donors, board members can supercharge year-end efforts. Their involvement not only amplifies outreach but strengthens the heart of the mission itself. This season, let’s explore how board members can help make the most of every opportunity to inspire support and connection.
Understanding the board's role in fundraising
Your board members aren’t just advisors; they’re key players in the fundraising game, too! They can boost visibility, connect your nonprofit with potential donors, and even contribute personally.
Each board member brings something unique to the table—whether it’s skills, networks, or industry insights—and when they tap into these strengths, it can be a game-changer for your organization.
By encouraging your board to actively support fundraising, you’ll open doors, attract new supporters, and build excitement around your mission. This kind of hands-on involvement doesn’t just grow donations; it reinforces your nonprofit’s impact and helps you reach those ambitious year-end goals.
Tips for involving board members in outreach
Involving board members in outreach is like assembling a superhero team; each member brings unique strengths, and together, they can accomplish great things for your nonprofit. But how do you get the wonder team together and activate them for good? Here are some tips to effectively engage them in outreach:
Clarify role, expectations, and goals
Set your board members up for success by defining exactly how they can help with year-end outreach. Begin with a clear outline of what “outreach” means for your nonprofit—think about the activities that best match your mission and goals.
Once you have a vision for what outreach means, work together to set realistic year-end fundraising goals. Make sure you have a way to measure and track these goals so that the expectations are clear and you’re better able to follow up on progress.
By giving them a roadmap and clarifying their impact, you’re creating ambassadors who are prepared and excited to support your year-end goals in meaningful ways.
Provide tools and training
Now that your expectations and goals are clarified, it’s time to equip your board with all they’ll need to represent your nonprofit with confidence! When they have the resources and tools to share about your mission, you simplify their outreach increasing the likelihood that they’ll follow through.
- Talking points and key messages: Share concise, impactful messages about your nonprofit’s mission, year-end goals, and recent achievements. This way, they’ll feel prepared to speak authentically and passionately.
- Brochures and digital resources: Give them brochures, fact sheets, or a digital resource kit they can easily share with potential supporters. Visuals and stats can go a long way in making your story memorable or enabling them to share on social media.
- Host a training session: A short training session can make all the difference. Walk them through your outreach goals, answer questions, and role-play common scenarios to boost their comfort and enthusiasm.
By providing these tools and a bit of guidance, you’ll empower your board to speak knowledgeably and confidently—transforming them into powerful advocates for your cause.
Give feedback and follow-up:
Create a simple system for board members to share updates on their outreach efforts. This keeps everyone informed, strengthens your strategy, and builds excitement around wins. Here are a few ways to make follow-up effective and enjoyable:
- Regular check-ins: Schedule quick check-ins (weekly or bi-weekly) to hear about their progress, discuss any challenges, and share helpful insights. These can be brief updates via email, group calls, or even a dedicated chat thread.
- Celebrate successes: Recognize and celebrate wins—no matter how small! Whether it’s a shoutout at a board meeting or a group email celebrating new connections, these high-five moments keep everyone motivated.
- Foster Accountability: Regular follow-ups encourage accountability, helping ensure each board member stays committed to their outreach goals. It’s a gentle reminder that every effort counts toward year-end success.
With a simple feedback loop in place, you’ll foster a sense of teamwork and help your board feel valued and empowered in their outreach role.
Take time to recognize and appreciate
Show your board members how much their outreach efforts mean to your nonprofit! Simple gestures like a thank-you note, a personalized email, or a shoutout during meetings can go a long way in boosting morale and encourage continued involvement.
Here are a few ways to keep the appreciation going:
- Personalized thank-yous: Take a moment to acknowledge individual contributions with a personal thank-you card. Highlight specific actions they took and the positive impact they had.
- Celebrate in meetings: Recognize board members’ outreach successes in front of their peers during board meetings. These small celebrations reinforce the value of their work and inspire others.
- Highlight milestones: When your board helps you reach a significant goal, celebrate that milestone! Send out an email, text, or give them a call. It reinforces the power of their efforts and strengthens commitment across the team.
Outreach activities your board can help with
Use Their Connections/Personalized Outreach
Your board members’ networks are a powerful resource! Encourage them to tap into their personal and professional circles to help your nonprofit reach new people. Here are some practical ways they can put those connections to work:
- Make Introductions to Donors and Volunteers: Board members can introduce your nonprofit to people in their networks who might be interested in supporting your mission—whether as donors, volunteers, or even future board members. Sometimes, a personal introduction is all it takes to spark lasting interest.
- Host Small Gatherings: Suggest that board members host a small event, like a coffee chat or happy hour, where you or your team can share more about the nonprofit’s work. This kind of informal setting can create a memorable first impression and build enthusiasm.
- Leverage Social Media: A quick share or personal post about your nonprofit’s year-end goals on social media can make a big impact. Board members’ friends, family, and colleagues will see their support and may want to join in too.
- Make a personal ask: Encourage board members to engage their personal and professional networks directly. A phone call or personal email from a board member can often be more impactful than a standard appeal, adding a personal touch that resonates with potential donors.
- Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Encourage board members to set up personal fundraising pages. This allows them to appeal directly to their networks with personalized messages, boosting engagement and creating a powerful peer-to-peer connection that motivates donations.
Engage in Community Events:
Board members can represent your nonprofit at local events, civic clubs, or public forums. This not only raises awareness about your mission but also gives board members a platform to share their passion and commitment. It’s like sending them on a mission to find new allies for your cause.
- Identify Key Events: Work with your board to pinpoint events that align with your mission—whether it’s a local fair, industry conference, or holiday celebration. Encourage them to actively engage and share your nonprofit’s story.
- Prepare Talking Points: Provide board members with clear, compelling messages about your nonprofit’s year-end goals and impact. This helps them confidently answer questions and spark conversations about your cause.
- Encourage Networking: Challenge board members to see each event as an opportunity to find new allies. They can introduce your nonprofit to potential donors, collaborators, or even media contacts who can amplify your reach.
With your board members out in the community, you’re creating ambassadors who can rally support and enthusiasm in fresh, powerful ways. It’s like sending them out on mini-missions to gather new friends and champions for your cause!
Thank-You Campaigns
Your donors want to feel seen, appreciated, and valued—and there’s no better way to show gratitude than involving your board in thank-you campaigns. A heartfelt thank-you from a board member can turn a one-time donor into a lifelong supporter. It’s more than just good manners; it’s a chance to strengthen relationships.
Encourage board members to make personal calls, write handwritten notes, or even record short, heartfelt video messages. For example, a quick call that starts with, “Hi, I’m [Board Member Name], and I just wanted to personally thank you for your generosity,” can leave a lasting impression. These simple gestures build trust and let donors see the people behind the mission.
Want to make it easy? Provide your board with templates, talking points, or a list of donors to reach out to, so they feel confident and prepared. Donors who feel genuinely appreciated are more likely to continue supporting your nonprofit—and to spread the word about your impact!
Matching Gifts
Matching gifts are a powerful way to amplify your year-end fundraising efforts, and your board members can lead the charge. If possible, invite them to pledge matching gifts to inspire donors to give generously. Few things are as motivating as knowing your donation will be doubled (or even tripled)!
Frame the ask as an opportunity for board members to maximize their impact. For instance, “Would you consider offering a matching gift to help us meet our year-end goal? It’s an amazing way to inspire others and show your commitment to the cause.”
Once a match is secured, shout it from the rooftops—on your website, emails, and social media. Use language like, “Your gift today will go twice as far, thanks to a generous board member match!” to create urgency and excitement.
Not every board member can contribute financially, and that’s okay! For those who can’t offer matching funds, encourage them to spread the word about the match to their networks. Whether they’re emailing friends, sharing on social media, or hosting a small fundraiser, their involvement can make a big difference.
Conclusion
As the year-end season approaches, nonprofits have a golden opportunity to amplify their impact—and board members play a pivotal role in making that happen. By stepping into their roles as champions, connectors, and donors, board members can help expand your nonprofit's reach, strengthen relationships, and boost donations.
From clarifying roles and setting goals to equipping board members with tools and providing recognition, the strategies shared in this blog are designed to help your board become a powerhouse of support. By engaging their networks, participating in outreach, and even leading thank-you campaigns or matching gift opportunities, your board can help turn year-end fundraising goals into reality.
Remember, the key to success is teamwork. When your board members feel empowered, equipped, and appreciated, their enthusiasm becomes contagious, inspiring others to join in your mission.
Need help managing donor data, tracking outreach efforts, and keeping your team aligned? DonorDock is here to simplify your fundraising journey. With easy-to-use tools for donor management, campaign tracking, and automation, DonorDock empowers nonprofits to work smarter, not harder. Discover how DonorDock can help you elevate your year-end fundraising—try DonorDock today!
