Hey Mr. Fundraiser . . . quit asking your board members to trespass

Fundraisers must stop asking their board members to trespass on personal and professional relationships.

This all-too-typical tactic makes board members uncomfortable, thus making them reluctant to help. Furthermore, this all-too-typical tactic doesn’t produce loyal donors or sustainable gifts.

So stop it. Stop it now.

Trespassing is when you ask your friends or colleagues to give gifts and buy tickets . . . just because they are your friends and colleagues. This is the personal and professional favor exchange. This is obligation to a person rather than a cause. It’s a lousy way to raise money. It’s offensive. It alienates the asker and the askee. And it’s not sustainable.

Here’s an example: I live in Rhode Island. My mom lives in Michigan, where I grew up. My mom gives money to the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, a social justice organization that I founded. Why? Because I’m her daughter. She likes me. I suppose she admires me for the work I’ve done. I know that she’s a liberal, committed to equity. That’s what my mom and dad taught me growing up.

But if my mom were really interested in leveling the playing field for women and girls, she could give more money. I know her financial situation. And if she were really, really interested in this cause, she could give to the women’s fund in Michigan.

She’s giving because of me. And now that I’m no longer on the Women’s Fund board, I suspect she’ll stop giving. The commitment was, mostly, to me.

How often have you, as a fundraiser, asked your board members to name names? How often have you asked them to bring in a list? Did you ask your board members to write notes on the letters that you planned to send to their list?

I say again, trespassing is a bad idea. It alienates board members. It alienates the friends and colleagues of board members. It doesn’t produce loyal donors or sustainable gifts.

Instead, ask your board members to identify those they think might be predisposed. (In fundraising, the term “suspect” is often used. I find that offensive. I talk about identifying those who might be predisposed to the cause.)

For example: When I founded the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, I began identifying those whom I thought might be predisposed to the cause. I thought about my friends and business associates.

I certainly know the interests of my friends. I know which ones are interested in leveling the playing field for women and girls. So I introduce them to the Women’s Fund. I don’t ask them for money, I invite them to learn more. And through that invitation and cultivation process, I can qualify them as a prospect… or realize that they are not sufficiently interested to be asked for a gift.

When I talk with people – new people I meet, business colleagues – I’m getting to know them and they’re getting to know me. That’s what happens in human conversation, learning about each other. Even the most casual conversation gives us cues about people’s interests and disinterests. For those who seem predisposed to leveling the playing field for women and girls, I invite them to be introduced to the Women’s Fund. Through the introduction and cultivation process, the Women’s Fund qualifies them as a prospect – or not.

So Mr. Fundraiser: Ask your board members to identify those who might be predisposed. Show them how to do it. Give them the tools. Provide the guidance and support. Quit asking them to trespass! See more about this process in Keep Your Donors: The Guide to Better Communications and Stronger Relationships, Chapter 7.

And now, Ms. Board member. It’s up to you. Are you willing to use your political and social capital to help this organization? Your answer must be yes. You must identify friends and colleagues who might be interested in the cause. You must pay attention to what interests those you connect with in your personal and professional lives. If there’s a connection between the cause and their interests, you must introduce them to the cause in an appropriate manner.

Please know, Ms. Board member, this process of identifying the predisposed and nurturing relationships – well, it’s essential to the health and effectiveness of our organization. This process is about building a tribe of people and businesses that will support the cause. And supporting the cause means much more than money. Supporting the cause means volunteering including board service; talking about us positively in the community; sharing ideas and insights with us; and, for some, investing money.

Please know, Ms. Board member, that one of your major responsibilities as a board member is to identify those who might care and to nurture loyal relationships for this cause. We fundraisers and other staff will help you do this important work. And we thank you.

But if you’re not willing to do this work, Ms. Board member, get off our board. Go away.

Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE is recognized internationally as an expert in fund development, board and organizational development, strategic planning, and management. She is the founder and director of Joyaux Associates. Visit her website here.