The right board involvement can demystify fundraising, turning what might seem like a daunting task into a more manageable and impactful team effort. From this lively session, expect to learn a lot about the sometimes complicated, yet critical, role of engaging nonprofit boards in fundraising, with cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall. This discussion revolves around the vital understanding that fundraising is a "team sport," as Tony aptly puts it. Together, they focus on the theme that board members play a significant role in an organization's ability to secure and sustain funds, but often, there's confusion about what fundraising truly is—and what it’s not.

Julia strikes the early tone by sharing her personal reflections on her decades-long involvement in community fundraising and board service, describing how much she could have done differently with the right knowledge. She says, "I looked at the different decades of my life and what I could have done better, and what I did well.", reflecting the importance of continuous learning for board members to become more effective in their roles.

Tony builds on this as they go on, explaining that while many board members feel a fear of fundraising, they can still significantly contribute by playing roles that don’t involve the daunting task of asking for money. He introduces four key roles board members can adopt: the Prospector, the Cultivator, the Solicitor, and the Steward. "You can support your organization from the launching pad to landing," Tony says, which shows the flexibility in how board members can engage in the fundraising process.

Tony goes on to highlight the value of board members engaging as ‘Stewards’. “It just says a lot when a volunteer who has the highest level of accountability for the organization is taking the time to call you or send you a card," he says. . . . .showcasing the power of gratitude and personal connection in fostering donor loyalty.

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