Is fundraising really your board's job?

Here’s another question from my July 16 webinar Six New Rules for Board Members in Changing Times.

Everyone always want to know how to get board members comfortable with philanthropy and understanding that it is part of their job.

Actually is it really part of their job? I know that all the pundits (or most of them anyway) say that “board members are supposed to raise money.”  But how many boards do you know that actually raise money?

And, try this: ask your board members, or any one who serves on a board, if they think their job is to help raise money.  And what will you get?  Probably a great big NO.

Fact is, most board members are willing to do just about anything except raise money.  In fact, you should really read this recent blog post by Tom Suddes of forimpact.org. titled “Your Board is NOT Responsible for Fundraising,”

Tom says unequivocally that fundraising is simply NOT a board member’s job.  He says that this goes against everything you’ve ever been taught, read or believe, but that it is simply TRUE.  And I certainly agree with him.

Because board members are never, ever going to be willing to ask their friends for money.  Period.  And, of course, that’s what they think fundraising is.  ”asking for money.”

If you can get them focusing on Friendraising, and piling everyone they know into your organization’s bandwagon, then you’ll find them willing to talk about resources and how they can help. You just have to back off a bit, slow down, shift your expectations, and motivate them slowly.