One the questions I am asked most frequently is “How do I get my board members to fundraise?”

I have found a method that I find works well with most boards: rather than ask your board members to raise money for the entire organization, find one project you are planning – a new production, a gala, an education program, etc. – and ask a given board member to adopt that project. This does not mean that the board member manages the project; rather they are allowed to learn about it, help with auxiliary events (such as an opening night dinner), and identify themselves with the success of the endeavor.

I have found that when a board member, or any volunteer, has a special identification with a project, they are more likely to involve their friends and associates and ask them to help make that project a success. This is, of course, what we want when we ask our board members to help with fundraising.

I make sure to have each board member report on ‘their’ project at Board meetings, and offer public and private appreciation for their work.

If you find one such special project for each board member (or most of them) you will find that your board is now engaged in fundraising.