🌟 From the Weekly Spark, my weekly email with one useful idea for nonprofit fundraisers. Subscribe here.
At some point in a November board meeting, someone will ask, “How can we help with year-end?”
You may be tempted to slide your fundraising goal across the table and say, “Have at it.”
Understandable. But even board members who love your mission can get a little squirmy when you ask them to fundraise. They’re picturing an awkward conversation with a friend who will spend the next six months avoiding them at the grocery store.
So give them something specific to do; something they can finish without wondering whether they’ve just signed up to chair the gala.
🌟 Write a P.S.
I love a good P.S. A handwritten one? Even better.
Give them 20 appeal letters and ask them to add a short note. Nothing profound. “Aimee, I’m so glad you’re part of this. Thank you for helping us keep it going.” That’s enough. Their handwriting doesn’t have to be pretty, and nobody needs to quote Gandhi. A few sincere words make a letter feel like it came from a person.
🌟 Record a quick video.
Ask one question: “What’s something you saw or heard here this year that stuck with you?”
They can answer on their phone, facing a window, in about 30 seconds. No need for a speech about how honored they are to serve on the board. You want the story they’d tell a friend over dinner.
Now you have a personal message to share in a year-end email or social post. And they’re reminded why they said yes to this job.
🌟 Forward one email.
When your Giving Tuesday email goes out, ask them to forward it to ten friends with a personal line on top. Better yet, give them a starting point: “This is the organization I keep telling you about. I’m on the board, and I’d love for you to take a look.”
Don’t make them write the appeal. You’ve already done that; ask them to open the door.
🌟 Show up once.
A December event, a volunteer shift, a holiday open house. Give them a date, a time, and a job when they get there. “Come mingle” leaves a lot to interpretation. “I’d love for you to welcome guests and thank them for supporting us” gives them a reason to put on real pants and leave the house.
Before you send this list to your board, make it easy to say yes. Have the letters ready, choose the email, and include the event details. You have enough to do without a dozen rounds of “What did you have in mind?”
Your board wants to help. Give them a job you’ll be glad they did.
