Better Board Fundraising Starts with Clarity

One of the reasons I created The Raise Club was because fundraising can feel surprisingly lonely.

We’re often trying to solve the same problems in separate organizations: How do we get our board more involved? How do we make asking for money feel less awkward? How do we build stronger donor relationships when there never seems to be enough time?

Our first Raise Club Conversation reminded me why talking openly about those questions matters.

We were joined by Chelsea Baker, Board Fundraising Chair for Nashville Tree Conservation Corps, who shared what she has learned over the past year as she stepped more deeply into fundraising leadership.

Chelsea didn’t come to the role as a professional fundraiser. In fact, one of her early reactions was probably familiar to a lot of people: Wait, I have to call people and ask them for money?

But something shifted once she started doing the work.

She discovered that fundraising was much less about having the perfect pitch and much more about having good conversations with people who already cared.

Three lessons stood out.

First, set clear expectations.

“Help with fundraising” is not an assignment. Thank three donors is. Invite five people to an event is. Make two introductions is.

Chelsea talked about how much easier accountability became when board members knew exactly what was expected of them. That clarity helped Nashville Tree Conservation Corps move from a year with no board giving to 100% participation and more than $22,000 in board contributions and on track to increase that by $10,000 next year.

Second, help people explain why they care.

Instead of teaching board members an elevator pitch, we worked on helping them tell their own story.

Why do you care about this mission? Why did you join this board? Why should someone else pay attention?

People remember enthusiasm and authenticity far more than a perfectly rehearsed organizational description.

Third, get people talking to people.

Board fundraising doesn’t have to begin with identifying the wealthiest person someone knows.

It can start with thanking a donor. Calling a former supporter. Talking with a neighbor. Asking a business you already know to sponsor an event.

Those conversations create relationships. Relationships create opportunity.

The lesson from our first Raise Club Conversation was simple: accountability, understanding your personal connection and talking the talk are the easiest ways to make sure board members know what to do and how to do it.

You need people who care about the mission, understand what you’re asking them to do, and have the confidence and tools to take the next step.

Sometimes better fundraising begins by making that next step feel a little easier.