Working with the Board you have: 10 realistic tips for nonprofit EDs and fundraisers

If you're a grantwriter/proposal writer like me, then you've heard (or read) over and over about what an ideal board of directors looks like, and how it functions. It should be diverse, contribute time and talent to the organization, and provide financial support. It should understand the important role of fundraising to the nonprofit's health, and its members should be willing to be coached - malleable, even! - over their 2- or 3-year terms.

But what if your organization's board doesn't meet these standards? How can you or your Executive Director make the most of the Board without wasting time and energy? Let's explore some practical strategies to work effectively with the board you have.

The Reality vs. The Ideal

We all know what the ideal board should look like:

• Diverse in background, skills, and perspectives

• Actively contributing time and expertise

• Financially supporting the organization

• Fully engaged in fundraising efforts

However, the reality often falls short of these expectations. Your board might lack diversity, struggle with fundraising, or have limited engagement. Instead of dwelling on these shortcomings, let's focus on actionable steps to improve your board's involvement and effectiveness.

Easy Wins for Meaningful Impact

Here are some straightforward strategies that can lead to significant improvements in your board's engagement:

1. Thank You Calls: Ask board members to make thank you calls to donors once per year. This simple task:

   • Shows appreciation to donors

   • Engages board members directly in donor relations

   • Requires minimal time commitment (one-time investment)

2. Event Invitations: Request that each board member invite one colleague to an in-person event annually. This approach:

   • Expands your network

   • Introduces potential new supporters to your cause

   • Encourages board members to be ambassadors for your organization

3. Community Representation: Make space on your board for someone from the community you serve. This strategy:

   • Brings valuable perspective to decision-making

   • Enhances your organization's credibility

   • Demonstrates commitment to the community you serve

4. Donor Visits: Ask a board member to join you on a donor luncheon or coffee visit. This practice:

   • Provides board members with firsthand experience in donor relations

   • Strengthens relationships with major donors

   • Offers opportunities for board members to share their passion for your cause

5. Program Walk-throughs: Invite board members to participate in program walk-throughs. You might be surprised how many board members aren't familiar with your organization's programs. This activity:

   • Educates board members about your organization's work

   • Inspires board members by showing them the impact of their efforts

   • Provides them with real stories to share when advocating for your organization

Additional Strategies for Board Engagement

Beyond these easy wins, consider implementing these additional strategies:

6. Board Education: Provide regular updates on grant opportunities and the grant writing process. This helps board members understand their role in securing grants and how their actions impact your organization's funding success.

7. Strategic Planning Involvement: Engage your board in developing and approving a strategic plan. This not only fulfills one of their primary governance functions but also makes your grant applications more competitive, as many funders request information about your organization's strategic direction.

8. Financial Contribution Encouragement: While not all board members may be able to make large donations, encourage 100% board giving at any level. This demonstrates board commitment and can strengthen grant applications, as many funders ask about board contribution rates.

9. Skill-Based Contributions: Identify and leverage the unique skills of each board member. For example, a board member with financial expertise could help review budgets for grant proposals, while someone with marketing experience could assist in crafting compelling narratives.

10. Grant Review Process: Involve board members in reviewing grant proposals before submission. This not only improves the quality of your applications but also ensures board members are aware of and supportive of the projects you're seeking funding for.

So, what's next?

Remember, even if your board isn't perfect, there's always room for improvement. Focus on:

• Clear communication about expectations and opportunities for involvement. Have this expectation in writing as part of your board recruitment materials, and make this a clear expectation from day 1: provide a list of ways to support financially, with time, or both! A calendar of events for the entire year is a a great way to set the stage.

• Providing the necessary information (in writing, and at the beginning of a member's term) and support for board members to fulfill their roles. Consider appointing a staff person as your board liaison so that the members have someone to go to with questions, and consider encouraging the staff liaison to proactively reach out to offer help.

• Recognizing and appreciating the efforts your board members make, no matter how small. Consider a shout-out for a different board member each meeting.

• Continuously educating your board about your organization's mission, programs, and impact - on an ongoing basis, at each and every meeting. This doesn't have to take a lot of time; it can be a 5-10 minute feature of a different staff person or program each meeting.

Working effectively with your board is crucial for your organization's success in securing grants and achieving its mission. By implementing these strategies, you can enhance board engagement, improve your grant applications, and ultimately increase your organization's impact.

Remember, building an effective board is an ongoing process. Start with small, achievable goals and gradually work towards larger improvements. With patience, persistence, and a focus on collaboration, you can make significant strides in working effectively with the board you have while moving towards the board you aspire to have.

Sheena Link is the COO of PureGrant and a former grantwriter.