As your not-for-profit prepares for its final fundraising appeals of 2026, board members can help reach people who might otherwise overlook your communications. A personal introduction or conversation can give prospective donors a clearer understanding of your mission and why their support matters. Equip board members to make thoughtful requests that address immediate funding needs and build relationships that will last beyond December.
Prepare your board members
All of your organization’s stakeholders can promote your not-for-profit and request support from their contacts. But aside from development staffers, board members can be particularly effective fundraising partners. They need to be knowledgeable about your organization, passionate about your mission and able to draw on a wide range of business and philanthropic contacts.
Support their efforts by making sure they have the proper information and training. Give them a wish list of specific items or services your not-for-profit needs. Also provide current information about funding priorities, examples of how donations make a difference and guidance on coordinating outreach with staff.
Keep in mind that some of your board members’ contacts may not be in a position to make a monetary donation. But they may be able to contribute in-kind goods or services.
Make each conversation count
When making a personal appeal to prospective donors, your board members should, when possible, offer to meet in person. A face-to-face conversation can provide opportunities to answer questions and learn about donors’ interests. Phone calls and video meetings offer alternatives when schedules or distance make an in-person meeting impractical. A modest coffee or lunch meeting may provide a comfortable setting, but members need to respect each prospect’s preferences and time.
When meeting with prospective donors, board members should help make your mission tangible. Suppose your not-for-profit raises money for cancer treatment. If board members have been affected by the disease, they might share their personal experiences to illustrate why they support your organization’s work. But they should use others’ stories only with appropriate permission and protect confidential information.
They also need to tailor each request to the prospect’s interests and explain any benefits accurately. For example, if your not-for-profit is trying to encourage business owners to buy ad space in your newsletter, board members could use readership data to explain how your newsletter reaches the business’s target audience. However, an advertising purchase generally isn’t a charitable gift, and advertising revenue may generate unrelated business income tax for your not-for-profit. Have staff review the arrangement before board members make commitments.
Build on year-end momentum
A successful year-end appeal can do more than help close a funding gap. When board members connect donors’ interests with your not-for-profit’s priorities, they can build support for the work ahead. Carry those relationships into 2027 through thoughtful follow-up and clear communication about results. Contact us for help evaluating your funding needs and aligning fundraising goals with your financial plans.