Maybe Is the Best Answer

If we think we can send board members out to fundraise without giving them tools, we might need some analysis. We ask people to join our boards because we think highly of them. They might be successful businesspeople or impassioned community activists or enthusiastic volunteers. We bring them into the fold because they have a talent, track record, or other indicator of high ability or “success.” And we mistakenly translate this into an ability to fundraise.

Fundraising requires a unique understanding, and training and practice are absolutely crucial if we want to make our staff effective. Training is an ongoing process – it means both learning and reinforcing through practice. Who on your board can take up the challenge and work with staff?