All Aboard: Optimizing your board
February 7, 2020
How do we optimize boards?
Does your non-profit run like a private club, or a powerful catalyst?
Not all board members are created equal!
Strategically, top boards are comprised of a tried and true formula: one-third of a board is wealthy, one third are wise and one-third are workers. By knowing which category each of your board members falls into, you can play to their strengths.
The best boards are diverse not only in terms of financial capacity, but also by virtue of demographics. Simply put: nonprofits cannot expand their reach if their board does not reflect our society.
Remember: dynamic boards raise dynamic dollars. The most compelling leaderships looks, and feels like our society. What’s needed? A healthy balance of leaders: men, women, African Americans, Latinos, Asians, LGBTQ people, those with disabilities, etc.
If you don’t have a board that is sufficiently diverse by capacity or demographics, then CPR can help you identify new, qualified prospects for board nominations.
Here’s how to inspire your board to reach its maximum fundraising potential:
KNOW YOUR BOARD AND WHO THEY KNOW
What brought your board members to the organization? To keep a board engaged, it is crucial you appeal to each individual member’s interest. Let’s consider a hospital’s grateful patient.. Grateful patients are often so thankful for the successful treatment they received at a hospital, that they naturally want to become more involved.
This person could be a qualified trustee, or ideal for being honored at a special event. A wealth screening from CPR can prove capacity BEFORE they are engaged further. The more board members and honorees speak from their own hearts, the more they can authentically endorse a nonprofit’s mission.
But what if you’re unclear what motivates a trustee? Then guide them to a set time at their next board meeting, and then help them reflect. For example, activities like journaling or dialogue sessions can help them put voice to their passion.
The most successful organizations use connections from their board members to leverage donations and create new circles of giving. While it may seem simple to ask board members to recommend new potential donors, remember that they may not know the spectrum of their own connections.
CPR can help you proactively uncover your board’s best contacts from their books of business, social and philanthropic networks.
Contact CPR today for a free consultation.
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