The Board of Directors Have an Essential Role in Fundraising

As the COO of an agricultural non-profit organization and as a consultant to several agricultural non-profit organizations, the role of the board of directors in fundraising inevitably surfaces as a subject of conversation. On several occasions, some members of the board of directors have pushed back that fundraising should not be a part of their responsibility.

There are several reasons why nonprofit board members must be engaged in fundraising:

1. Financial Sustainability: Members of the board of directors have a critical role in ensuring the financial sustainability of the organization. Fundraising and the donations secured provides the resources necessary to carry out the nonprofit's mission and programs.

2. Leading by Example: Board members serve as role models for other stakeholders, such as the donors and the organization’s volunteers. When board members are actively engaged in fundraising, this demonstrates the importance of this activity and encourages others to get involved as well.

3. Broadening Your Organization’s Network: Board members have extensive networks that can be leveraged to bring in new donors, volunteers, and other supporters. Tapping into their networks, the members of the board of directors help to expand the organization’s reach and impact.

4. Increased Accountability: Board members are responsible for the success of the nonprofit organization, including its financial health. When board members are engaged in fundraising, it increases accountability and ensures that the organization is taking steps to achieve its goals.

5. Enhanced Public Perception: When board members are actively engaged in fundraising to ensure the nonprofit is accomplishing its mission, this also enhances the public perception of the organization which can attract new donors, volunteers, and other supporters, and ultimately lead to increased impact and sustainability.

Board members must be actively engaged in fundraising to ensure the long-term success of the nonprofit organization that they serve.