Have you ever wished to pull out a magic wand during one of your board meetings to turn its members into enthusiastic and valuable contributors?

The board members are a true treasure, as they can connect relationships, develop resources, improve image, and facilitate tasks through their personal and professional connections alike. They can build many relationships that will help your organization and contribute to promoting its cause, programs, and results.

Antoine de Saint says, “If you want to build a ship, don't gather people to collect wood, divide the work, and give them orders. Rather, teach them to long for the endless sea.”

Method One: “Building Successful Boards in Nonprofit Organizations”

By Elmira Bayrasli from Forbes

This article touches on two important points; the first is presenting one of the leading experts in board governance, Lucy Marcus, who provides valuable advice for nonprofit organizations, and the second is introducing us to a different approach that directly addresses board members with a business mindset.

Forbes presents a range of tips from Marcus on how to form a good board. I appreciated her emphasis on the importance of creating a board that fits the unique needs of your nonprofit organization, taking into account the non-financial contributions that board members can offer to the organization, such as guidance and professional skills.

Method Two: “How to Involve Your Nonprofit Board in Donor Relations”

By Tina Jepson from CauseVox

If your board members are hesitant to ask for financial assistance, that’s okay. In fact, there's no need to force them to engage in a direct fundraising campaign for them to truly provide help. Instead, involve them in your relationships with donors.

Tina provides advice on how to engage board members and integrate them into the donor circle by asking them to reach out to thank donors for their cooperation or even to host events to express gratitude. This way, they become active individuals without the need to directly ask for donations. Over time, it will become easier for your board members to request donations through participating in such initiatives.

Method Three: “How to Strengthen Relationships Between the Board and Staff”

By Lyndsey Hrabik from Nonprofit Hub

It’s common to witness some disconnection in relationships between board members and organizational staff in certain cases. Lyndsey’s article provides solutions that can help us eliminate this issue through following several procedures and steps.

Besides identifying the reasons that make communication and clarity a top priority, the writer suggested some topics that could help open the floor for discussion between boards and staff. Overall, I believe these tips can strengthen relationships between staff and board members, enhancing the shallow relationships that are marred by disengagement.

Method Four: “Five Ways to Prepare Your Board to Excel at Year-End Fundraising”

By Megan Donahue from CauseVox

This article discusses everything regarding year-end fundraising, but the tips and tricks mentioned herein can be applied to any fundraising campaign. Among the important things that may escape the notice of experienced individuals in this field is that most people do not know how to ask for money to support their vision. In reality, just wishing to have a board capable of attracting donors and raising funds is not enough; you must equip them with the necessary tools and teach them these skills.

——————————————-

Website: CauseVox

Author: Megan Donahue