The Board’s Resource Development Committee Job Description

Expand this committee’s responsibilities. It is not about raising money per se, it is about ensuring the long term success of your organization’s fundraising program.  It is about monitoring performance, identifying challenges, rallying the other board members to help when needed, and making sure that fundraising gets the time, attention and support from the board that it needs.

1. Make sure the organization nurtures long term relationships with your donors – see that they are all thanked appropriately for their gifts.

• See that donors are thanked promptly, personally and appropriately.
• See that board members phone and write donors to thank them.

• See that donors receive updates your organization’s progress and the impact it is making in the community.

2. Encourage board members to help open the door to new prospects, and provide an example to others.

3. Involve the board members in cultivating donors.

• Be sure all board members know their talking points and how to talk to donors.
• When your organization has events, give board members assignments to call specific VIP’s to encourage them to attend.

4. When appropriate, organize the board members to make personal solicitations for annual and major gifts, following pre-established guidelines.

5. Monitor the fundraising program – resources, execution and results.

• Oversee your HR investments:  see that the fundraising staff receives training, are properly supported and paid.
• Ensure that your fundraising office is adequately and consistently staffed.  Manage vacancies carefully so that fundraising doesn’t suffer.
• Ensure that fundraising has priority and adequate resources – both out front development representatives and the back office staff and systems.
• Provide support to the Development Director at all times.
• Monitor results and trends from fundraising programs.

6. Make sure that all board members give a proud personal gift to the best of their ability.