Board Engagement for Fundraising Success Presented by: Lewis Flax Flax Associates Wednesday, January 28 th, :00 AM 11:30 AM

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1 Board Engagement for Fundraising Success Presented by: Lewis Flax Flax Associates Wednesday, January 28 th, :00 AM 11:30 AM

2 Today s Discussion Board Engagement Recruitment and Cultivation The Ask

3 Board Engagement

4 Critical to Success Current and future leadership Ability to support key initiatives Guide the organization Determine priorities and focus

5 Overlooked and Avoided Awkward and uncomfortable Oversight role May not be well connected Skills in other areas Easy to focus on other initiatives Requires time and patience

6 Committed to the Cause? Engagement Emotion Ego

7 Engagement Evaluate current status Staff perspective Future plans

8 Board Review/Plan Interaction Fundraising plan aligned with strategic plan Perceived goals and objectives Barriers to success Role in fundraising

9 Assessment Likely results? Position appropriately Purpose for serving Evaluate each board member Impact of evaluation

10 Recruitment and Cultivation

11 Reactive Approach Name others that can support Seek dollars first Lack of a vetting process Address at the last minute What should we expect?

12 Other Organizations Steps and requirements Evaluate results

13 Develop a Pool of Talent Donors/Funders Current (and previous) volunteers Members Distribution list (mail/ ) Event attendees Program participants Engaged in advocacy efforts Board members (other organizations) Leverage connections Corporate executives Corporations (matching gifts)

14 Engagement Options Award programs Event involvement Programmatic initiatives Advocacy efforts Workplace giving Public relations campaign Other campaigns

15 Evaluate and Test Evaluate involvement Test commitment Expect drop-off

16 A Privilege and an Honor Pass the test? Candid conversations Key questions Level of interest Value add Understand capabilities and interests

17 Selecting the Right Individuals Review requirements Clarify expectations Seek commitment Extend invitation Accept no

18 Square Peg Into a Round Hole Consider other options Determine an appropriate fit Ask for suggestions Potential options Chair of a campaign Letters under their signature Involvement in a specific initiative Role in an awards program Other?

19 Making the Ask

20 Fundraising Effectiveness Ability to provide support Strong network/connections Willingness to conduct outreach Capabilities and skills

21 Ask : Executive Director

22 Why not the ED? Difficult position Asking supervisors for money Board rotates different individuals Less authenticity Lost in the details

23 Ask: Board Member(s) Respected board member(s) More genuine and authentic Peer to peer engagement A sense of obligation Less pressure on Executive Director

24 Engage Board Member(s) History and involvement Impact Emotionally compelling story Support amount and connection Importance of contributions from all Ask with passion/conviction stretch Follow up individually

25 Solutions: Stories Emotionally compelling Specific individual/problem Detail the challenges encountered Explain success and impact Ask for their opinion and feedback Align with their motives/interests

26 Fundraising Training Conduct training for board members Determine who will lead Assess what should be covered Acknowledge limitations/concerns Provide needed guidance and support

27 Next Steps Interest in improving board engagement/results Time/resources Strategies and tactics Actions in the next 30 days Impact on your organization

28 Questions Lewis Flax Board engagement / leverage corporate connections Develop strategy / plans to secure support Business development outreach guidance Offer training, coaching, and consulting Review of documents / information / proposals Phone: Web: lewis@flaxassociates.com (w) (c)

29 Thank you to our Sponsor and Partners! Sponsored By Hosted By