Jenny Bergman
Senior Consultant
Fundraising is a word that can spark energy or anxiety for boards.
At its best, fundraising is a natural extension of mission. It’s how organizations connect with donors, share their vision, and invite others to be part of something meaningful. At its worst, fundraising is misunderstood, siloed, or avoided altogether.
That’s where board governance comes in.
At Benefactor Group, we often say: fundraising is not just a development department function — it’s a board responsibility. Yet many board members are unclear on their role, or uncomfortable with the word itself. So let’s explore how fundraising and boards go together and the moments when they don’t.
The Board’s Role in Fundraising
Every nonprofit board has three essential duties: duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty of obedience. Fundraising touches all three.
How do we translate these duties into action? Board members help:
- Set the tone: Demonstrate that philanthropy is part of the culture, not just a necessity.
- Give personally: Establish a board that leads by example.
- Open doors: Make introductions, host events, and expand the organization’s network.
- Tell the story: Serve as passionate, informed ambassadors for the mission.
In this context, fundraising is not just about asking for money. It’s about building relationships that sustain the organization. What happens when that alignment breaks down?
Alignment Changes Everything
Many boards agree, in theory, that they have a role to play in fundraising. But in practice, that role often gets neglected, misinterpreted, or minimized. Here are a few common disconnects that we have seen:
Everyone Owns the Mission
Some board members believe their service is purely governance-related and that fundraising belongs to staff. This can create a culture of detachment and missed opportunity.
Reality check: Development is a team sport. Board members don’t need to lead, but they must contribute to the effort.
Say It. Then Say It Again.
When board expectations around fundraising are vague or undefined, confusion reigns. Are members expected to give? How much? Should they be fundraising from others?
Best practice: Fundraising expectations should be clearly stated during recruitment and reinforced throughout board tenure.
Give First
It’s hard to ask others to give if you haven’t given yourself. And yet, some boards struggle to reach 100% giving participation. This sends mixed signals to donors and undermines credibility.
Guiding principle: Every board member should make a personally meaningful gift annually.
They're More Powerful Than They Realize
Many board members don’t realize how powerful their voice can be in cultivating support. They may not be comfortable asking for money but their ability to share the organization’s story, values, and impact is often the most compelling case for support.
Opportunity: Use training at board meetings to help board members to speak confidently and authentically about the mission.
When Boards and Fundraising Work in Sync
The most successful fundraising organizations we work with share one thing in common: a board that embraces its role in philanthropy.
These boards:
- Lead by giving: Establish a culture of generosity from the top.
- Partner with staff: Collaborate on strategy, stewardship, and cultivation.
- Expand the circle: Introduce new donors, influencers, and champions.
- Stay informed: Understand the fundraising plan (annual and campaign) and how they can contribute.
- Celebrate success: Recognize wins, share stories, and deepen engagement.
When fundraising is embedded into the board’s work and not tacked on at the end of the year, organizations are better positioned to grow, adapt, and thrive.
They Go Together
Fundraising and nonprofit boards go hand in hand. This doesn’t mean turning every board member into a solicitor. It means creating a shared culture of generosity where giving, gratitude, and storytelling are core to governance.
A healthy fundraising culture starts with leadership. When boards view fundraising not as a burden, but as a privilege—simply a way to connect others to impact—the entire organization benefits.
At Benefactor Group, we help boards move from fundraising fear to fundraising fluency through assessment, training, and counsel. Because when boards show up as authentic partners in philanthropy, they unlock more than dollars. They unlock deeper mission alignment, greater community trust, and lasting organizational strength.
For more information or support on strengthening your board’s governance, let’s connect.
