A nonprofit board doesn't need to manage every aspect of fundraising. But it should ask thoughtful questions about how the organization builds relationships, sustains philanthropic support, and engages its leadership in development.
Too often, board fundraising discussions focus almost exclusively on financial results.
Did we meet our annual goal? How much did the event raise? Are contributions ahead of last year?
Those are important questions, but they provide only part of the picture.
A board that wants to support long-term fundraising success also understands the relationships, strategies, and organizational practices behind those results.
Here are ten questions worth discussing.
1. Do We Understand Where Our Revenue Comes From?
Board members should understand the organization's funding model and the role philanthropy plays within it.
How dependent are we on individual giving, grants, events, or a small number of major supporters? Where are our greatest vulnerabilities?
Understanding the revenue picture is essential to responsible governance.
2. Are Our Fundraising Priorities Clearly Connected to Our Mission?
Fundraising should support organizational priorities rather than become a collection of disconnected activities.
Can we explain what philanthropic resources will accomplish and why those investments matter?
Clarity helps staff, board members, and supporters communicate a consistent purpose.
3. Are We Building Relationships or Simply Seeking Contributions?
Fundraising is sustained through trust and meaningful relationships.
Are we making time to understand supporters' interests? Are we building connections beyond immediate financial requests?
This question encourages a longer-term view of development.
4. How Well Do We Steward Our Current Donors?
Organizations often spend considerable energy acquiring new supporters.
But are we expressing gratitude, communicating impact, and maintaining relationships with people who already believe in our mission?
Stewardship deserves regular attention from leadership.
5. Do Board Members Understand Their Fundraising Responsibilities?
Broad statements such as "everyone must help with fundraising" rarely provide sufficient guidance.
Do board members understand what participation looks like, including personal giving expectations, stewardship, introductions, and appropriate relationship building?
Are those expectations discussed before people join?
6. Are We Making Good Use of Our Board's Strengths?
Every board member brings different experiences, relationships, and abilities.
Are we creating opportunities for people to contribute in ways that reflect those strengths?
A thoughtful connector, effective communicator, or experienced community leader have something valuable to offer beyond direct solicitation.
7. Do Members Have the Information and Support They Need?
Board members should feel prepared to talk about the mission and participate in appropriate development activities.
Are we providing clear organizational information, useful education, and staff guidance?
If members aren't participating, have we asked what is getting in their way?
8. Are We Measuring Meaningful Participation?
Fundraising reports typically measure dollars raised, but organizations also benefit from understanding the activities that support long-term relationships.
Do we know whether board members are making introductions, participating in stewardship, and following through on commitments?
Are we using that information constructively?
9. Are Board and Staff Responsibilities Clear?
Successful development requires collaboration.
Do board members understand when staff should coordinate donor outreach? Are solicitation responsibilities clear? Is relevant information documented appropriately?
Clarity reduces confusion and protects important relationships.
10. What Would Stronger Board Fundraising Engagement Look Like One Year From Now?
A productive board discussion should end with a shared vision.
Would success mean more members participating regularly? Better stewardship? Greater fundraising confidence? More thoughtful relationships? Improved coordination?
Choose a small number of realistic priorities and revisit them throughout the year.
How to Use These Questions
Set aside time during a board retreat, development committee meeting, or strategic planning discussion.
Rather than attempting to answer all ten questions at once, select the three most relevant to your organization's current circumstances.
For each, discuss:
What are we doing well?
Where could we improve?
What should change over the next three months?
Who will be responsible for moving that change forward?
These questions are intended to support thoughtful leadership conversations, not create additional reporting obligations.
How BoardSpring Helps
BoardSpring helps nonprofits address one important aspect of these questions: how to make board fundraising participation more practical, consistent, and manageable.
Its monthly activities, learning resources, and staff coordination tools help organizations move from discussing engagement to supporting meaningful contributions.
Good questions create clarity. Clear opportunities create action.
Learn more at www.boardspringgroup.com.
