Here are some key takeaways from Joan\u2019s transformative episode:<\/p>\n
Introduction: Fundraising is a team sport<\/h2>\n
A love of fundraising is probably not why someone starts a nonprofit. But it\u2019s what keeps the mission moving forward. And yet, far too often, nonprofit boards are sidelined from this critical function. For some fundraisers, asking for board participation beyond their giving and attendance at twice-annual meetings may be an overstep.<\/p>\n
However, the act of joining a nonprofit board indicates a person\u2019s passion and interest in a particular mission that extends beyond cutting a check. How much can we ask of a board of directors in terms of fundraising? Joan cuts through the confusion with a bold but simple truth: \u201cFundraising is a team sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYour board isn\u2019t just a legal requirement. It should be your posse of ambassadors, storytellers, and change agents.\u201d \u2013 Joan Garry<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/uploads.donorperfect.com\/images\/sites\/2\/building-a-board-joan-garry-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhen nonprofit boards stop functioning as bystanders and step into their roles as enthusiastic partners, nonprofit fundraisers can propel their missions forward at a much faster rate. This starts with a shift in mindset and structure.<\/p>\n
Want more from Joan? Check out her guide to board engagement\u2014available for free download below! Building a Board of Ambassadors: A 6-Step Guide >><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Creating the right conditions: The four levers of board fundraising success<\/h2>\n
Joan outlines four powerful levers that transform boards into fundraising allies:<\/strong><\/p>\n Let\u2019s explore each with actionable tips and see how DonorPerfect can help bring these ideas to life.<\/p>\n Nonprofit board recruitment often starts from a place of scarcity. A founder needs board members to get their 501(c)(3), so they round up friends and family. The result?<\/p>\n A group of \u201cbox-checking buddies\u201d who aren\u2019t prepared\u2014or passionate enough\u2014to fundraise.<\/p>\n \u201cWe miss time and again that people who join boards actually want to do meaningful work. They just need to know what their job is.\u201d \u2013 Joan Garry<\/p>\n What strategic recruitment looks like<\/strong><\/p>\n DonorPerfect tip:<\/strong> Use custom contact tags and note fields to track board candidate interests and networks, aligning them with campaign needs.<\/p>\n Effective fundraising isn\u2019t about knowing the wealthiest people\u2014it\u2019s about finding and building networks among people who are passionate about your mission and interested in connecting you with the resources your nonprofit needs to thrive.<\/p>\n \u201cStrong nonprofits have big posses. That means recruiting people with unique spheres of influence.\u201d \u2013 Joan Garry<\/p>\n Diversity isn\u2019t just about representation; it\u2019s about expansion. When every nonprofit board member comes from the same circle, your reach shrinks. Bringing in people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and connections creates more opportunities to invite others into your mission.<\/p>\n Pro tip:<\/strong> Evaluate your nonprofit board\u2019s diversity using a sphere map<\/a>. What audiences aren\u2019t currently represented? Start there.<\/p>\n Once you have the right people, how do you keep them fired up? Joan stresses the importance of creating board meetings that inform, enrich, and ignite. She says board meetings should make members leave saying, \u2018Wow, I want to do more for this cause.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Strategies to ignite board engagement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
1. Recruit strategically, not conveniently<\/h3>\n
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2. Build diversity in thought, network, and influence<\/h3>\n
3. Ignite passion with purposeful engagement<\/h3>\n