Consider Board Leadership Before a Capital Campaign

Strong leadership is crucial during a capital campaign. If you are thinking about launching one, consider how your board will enhance your fundraising capacity and success.

You will need your board members’ full support to reach your goals. Ask yourself these three questions about your board as you consider a capital campaign.

1. Are all my board members current donors?

The amount of support will vary based on the individual, but if they are on your board, they already should be regular donors to the organization. As one of their favorite nonprofits, they should share their skills with you, advocate for you, and donate to you.

During a capital campaign, board members should understand that there is an expectation that they will give a one-time gift or a multiyear pledge that is personally significant, and that they will be the very first investors asked to support your campaign. Prospective donors will want the assurance that your board is 100% committed to the project. 

Board members also may be tasked with asking those they know to contribute to the campaign. Some will ask for very large donations. It will be difficult and perhaps even insincere for a non-donor to ask for those gifts. All board members should first invest in the campaign and be regular donors to the organization before asking others.

Be clear with your board members that this is the expectation before a campaign begins.

2. Are my board members involved in the fundraising process?

Members of your board should be willing to make time available for the identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of current and prospective donors.

Great board members are always very busy people and do have strict limitations on their time; however, given their commitment to the organization, they should expect to participate in some high-quality interactions with potential supporters. They should share your story in the community and among their peers and bring support to the organization. Quality over quantity is important here.

3. Can my board members open doors for the organization?

First, allow us to make distinctions between governing boards, fundraising boards, and blended boards. If your nonprofit has two boards, one for governing and one for fundraising, the governing board should reflect the community you serve. For example, if you are a food bank in a low-income neighborhood, your board should include nearby residents.

If you have both a governing and a fundraising board, then the governing board should reflect your community, while the fundraising board can reflect your donors. To stick with the food bank example, the governing board has neighbors while the fundraising board is comprised of current donors who have peer groups that are also potential donors, preferably with high giving capacity.

And if you only have one board that is charged with governing and with fundraising, then your board should both reflect your community and your donors.

If you feel the need to change the composition or expand your board, it should be a positive experience that invigorates your leadership. They will recognize the need to recruit new members who, when it comes to fundraising, can open doors to potential donors. The executive director, the development director, and the board chair should work together first to decide what the ideal candidates will offer. Consider whether you need to diversify the professions represented on your board or add members with significant wealth. Develop a clear picture of whom you seek.

Finally, discuss that picture with staff members and current board members and develop a list of people who meet your criteria. Not everyone you invite to join your board is going to say yes, so don’t depend on one or two individuals. Create a list of six to twelve names and decide which of your current board members is best qualified to recruit them.

What’s Next?

Strengthen your board’s confidence by taking the time to acknowledge any concerns they may have and answer their questions. Making board members aware of anything new that will be expected of them and addressing limitations before a capital campaign begins should strengthen your ability to fundraise and enhance your success. A free capital campaign workshop for you and your board members can help further their understanding of the process and expectations. It will also assure them that, yes, you can do this!