Nonprofit Adviser

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My colleague Lisa Schohl recently wrote an article filled with smart tips to help board members become comfortable with — even inspired to — seek donations.

Christal Cherry, CEO of The Board Pro told Lisa that the best way to educate board members about what fundraising is — and what it isn’t — is to show them what it looks like in real life, ideally by having them join a fundraiser on donor visits. Being part of these meetings will help board members understand that “90 percent of these conversations are focused on getting to know the donor and building trust,” Lisa writes. Cherry also recommends explaining to board members that getting a “no” is OK, and it could be temporary due to their current circumstances.

Wanda Scott, a consultant, cautions that getting board members to embrace fundraising takes time, especially if you are introducing the requirement and shifting the culture. It may take two to three years, she says.

Lisa’s article has guidance on recruiting members, offering different ways for trustees to get involved, and offering training and tools to empower your board. Read How to Create a Culture of Fundraising on Your Board to learn more. And you can hear directly from Christal Cherry in our latest webinar, How to Get Your Board to Raise Money, which is available on demand.

Have a great week,
Margie Fleming Glennon
Senior Director, Nonprofit Intelligence

P.S. Nonprofit Adviser will be taking a break for Memorial Day. We’ll be back in your inbox on June 3.

Tip of the Week

Don’t wait until December to focus on DAF gifts.

Distributions from DAFs can take two to four weeks to arrive, especially from larger financial institutions, says Cinira Baldi, chief development and communications officer at Project HOPE, an international-aid nonprofit. So if you wait until December to start asking donors to make a DAF gift, you might not get the money by the end of the year. For more savvy tips, read 9 Ways to Raise More From Donor-Advised Funds.

New Grant Opportunities

Your Chronicle subscription includes free access to GrantStation’s database of grant opportunities.

Black women and girls. The Pearl Milling Company is supporting programs with the goal of alleviating barriers and inequities in areas such as food, housing, employment, financial support, and generational wealth; encouraging efforts to achieve holistic wellness, confidence, and mental and physical health; and more. A total of $1 million in grants of $10,000 to $100,000 will be provided; application deadline June 26 at 6 p.m. ET.

Gardens. The Nature’s Path Gardens for Good program supports urban organic agriculture feeding projects or programs providing food to serve low-income communities, soup kitchens, food banks, emergency pantries, school feeding programs, shelters, or similar types of organizations. Applications will be accepted from May 27 to June 24.