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.
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