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Focus on Philanthropy

A blog by the staff of The Curtis Group

Tuesday Fundraising Tip

Posted March 09, 2010 by The Curtis Group.

Last week, we talked about the board’s role. This week, the board focus continues in our fourth tip to remain a philanthropic priority during the economic recovery: Help your board by having regular training sessions.

A board member sharing his or her story with a potential donor is one of the most effective ways to raise money. A 2009 survey, conducted by our colleagues at the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy and Campbell & Company, found that donors asked to give in person by someone they knew gave 19 percent more than if asked another way.

Board training gives members a sense of the fundraising economy and giving trends. It can teach them how to make the ask and through role-playing, provide on-the-job training. Most important, though, untrained board members making gift calls are likely to fail, and that’s a disservice to the board member, the prospective donor, and the people served by your organization.