Board Engagement That Actually Helps Fundraising (Not Just Governance)

Nonprofit boards are often described as essential to an organization’s success — yet many executive directors and nonprofit leaders quietly struggle with a familiar frustration:
the board shows up for meetings, but not for fundraising.

To be clear, governance matters. Compliance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic direction are critical responsibilities. But when it comes to long-term sustainability, boards that only govern — without actively supporting revenue generation — leave staff carrying an impossible load.

The truth is, fundraising is a team sport, and engaged boards can be one of the most powerful assets in building stable, diversified funding.

So what does meaningful board engagement in fundraising really look like — and how do you get there without making board members uncomfortable or overwhelmed?

Why Board Involvement in Fundraising Matters

Funders don’t just evaluate programs — they evaluate leadership. An active board signals that:

• The organization has shared accountability
• Leadership is supported and not operating in isolation
• There is community buy-in at multiple levels

Many grantmakers and major donors specifically ask about board involvement in fundraising and financial oversight. When boards are disconnected from revenue efforts, it raises concerns about sustainability.

More importantly, relying solely on staff — especially in small nonprofits — increases burnout and limits growth.

Reframing What “Fundraising” Means for Board Members

One of the biggest barriers to board engagement is fear. Many board members hear “fundraising” and immediately think they are being asked to beg for money.

But fundraising is not just asking for donations. It also includes:

• Making introductions
• Sharing organizational updates with their networks
• Hosting small gatherings or virtual info sessions
• Thanking donors and sponsors
• Advocating for the mission in the community

When board members understand that their role is about opening doors, not carrying the entire fundraising burden, participation increases.

Start With Clear Expectations From Day One

Strong board engagement begins with recruitment and onboarding.

Every board member should clearly understand:

• That fundraising is part of their role
• What that involvement can realistically look like
• How the organization will support them in that role

This doesn’t mean every board member must give or raise the same amount, but it does mean everyone contributes in a meaningful way — whether through personal giving, connections, or advocacy.

When expectations are vague, engagement becomes optional. And optional fundraising almost always becomes no fundraising.

Provide Training and Talking Points

Even passionate board members can feel unsure about how to represent the organization.

Support them with:

• A short “elevator pitch” about your mission and impact
• Clear messaging about current funding priorities
• Simple ways to respond when someone expresses interest

When board members feel confident talking about the organization, they are far more likely to share it with their networks.

Remember, most people want to help — they just don’t want to say the wrong thing.

Match Fundraising Roles to Strengths

Not every board member will be comfortable making direct asks, and that’s okay.

Instead, identify:

• Who has strong community or business connections
• Who enjoys hosting or event planning
• Who is comfortable making thank-you calls
• Who has corporate or foundation relationships

Then assign roles that align with those strengths.

Engagement grows when board members feel useful, not forced into uncomfortable situations that don’t match their skills or personalities.

Create Specific, Time-Bound Opportunities to Help

Telling board members to “help with fundraising” is too abstract. But inviting them to support a specific effort is much more effective.

For example:

• Join staff on three donor thank-you calls this month
• Invite five friends to a virtual info session
• Share a campaign on social media and follow up with two contacts
• Attend one sponsor meeting as a community ambassador

Clear, short-term actions feel achievable and create momentum.

Make Fundraising Part of Every Board Meeting

If fundraising is only discussed once or twice a year, it will never feel like a shared responsibility.

Regular board meetings should include:

• Quick updates on fundraising progress
• Success stories and challenges
• Opportunities for board members to get involved

This keeps revenue front and center and reinforces that financial sustainability is part of everyone’s job, not just the development team’s.

Celebrate and Reinforce Participation

People repeat behaviors that are acknowledged.

When board members help secure funding, make connections, or support campaigns:

• Thank them publicly during meetings
• Share how their involvement made a difference
• Highlight successes in board communications

Recognition builds confidence and reinforces that their role truly matters.

Strong Boards Strengthen Funding — and Culture

When boards are actively engaged in fundraising, something powerful happens:
staff feel supported, leadership feels shared, and the organization becomes more connected to the community.

Fundraising stops being a stressful, isolated function and becomes part of the organization’s culture.

And for small nonprofits especially, this shift can be transformational.