That’s right – fund development MUST be Board led and staff supported. I’ve said it a thousand times, and will keep on repeating this mantra: BOARD LED, not staff led.
You’re saying “Right. We know that. My Board is all over fund raising. Heck, I don’t even have to bring it up.” Sure, that’s what you’re saying.
No, most of you are facing the reality that your Board is under-trained, under-equipped, and under-enthused when it comes to development work. They believe their role is management or oversight or even governance. The truth is, there is no organization to shepherd or run if there’s no income.
It’s not their fault, by the way. It’s a system problem. We don’t recruit enough good fund raisers; don’t tell our Boards we expect them to lead the charge; don’t give them the tools and knowledge they need to perform. Even BoardSource, the Board gurus of America list ensuring adequate financial resource at number 6 on their top 10 Board responsibilities list.
We have to change this culture RIGHT NOW, if our sector is to thrive. Development work has to rank in the top THREE responsibilities for Board members. Right along with Planning and Policy, Fund Development helps keep balance. Oversight can come in 4th through 10th on the list.
How do we make the change? I have ideas I’ll be sharing over the next weeks. What are your experiences? What would make it better for your organization? Would Board lmembers raising funds be a significant improvement for you?
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