A nonprofit’s board of directors plays a critical role in the success of grant strategies. Beyond governance and oversight, board members are invaluable allies in building relationships with foundations and funders. Their connections, credibility, and influence can help open doors and foster trust with funders who may be critical to your mission.
But how do you ensure your board is ready to take on this role effectively? This blog will explore practical tips and tricks to prepare your board for relationship-building with foundations, helping your organization secure critical funding for the coming year.
1. Start with Education: Build Knowledge and Confidence
Many board members aren’t familiar with the intricacies of grant writing or funder relationships. By providing education, you empower them to represent your organization confidently and effectively.
Steps to Educate Your Board:
Host a Workshop: Invite a grant expert or consultant to provide an overview of the grant-seeking process, funder expectations, and the board’s role.
Provide Resources: Share materials such as a glossary of grant-related terms, examples of successful proposals, and information on your current funders.
Share Stories of Impact: Use real examples to show how grant funding has driven your organization’s mission forward.
Practical Tip:
Create a “Board Member Guide to Grant Success” that outlines key responsibilities, talking points, and tips for effective engagement with funders. Make this a part of your onboarding process for new board members.
2. Align Board Members with Your Mission and Goals
Board members must be able to articulate your organization’s mission, vision, and goals effectively. A clear and unified message builds credibility with funders and demonstrates alignment within your organization.
How to Align Your Board:
Mission Refresh: Dedicate time in a board meeting to revisit your mission and discuss how grant funding directly supports your programs.
Goal Setting: Share your fundraising goals and explain how they tie into your strategic plan.
Storytelling Training: Teach board members how to tell compelling stories about your organization’s work and impact.
Practical Tip:
Ask each board member to practice a 2-minute "elevator pitch" about your organization. This ensures they can confidently explain your mission and goals in any setting.
3. Leverage Board Members’ Networks
One of the most valuable contributions a board can make is connecting your nonprofit with potential funders through their personal and professional networks.
Steps to Leverage Networks:
Map Connections: During a board meeting, ask members to brainstorm connections they may have with potential funders, foundation staff, or influential community members.
Provide Research: Share a list of your top funding prospects and ask board members if they have any existing relationships with these organizations.
Facilitate Introductions: Support board members by providing talking points, email templates, or scripts for initiating conversations with their contacts.
Practical Tip:
Use a tool like a “relationship mapping worksheet” where board members can list their connections and align them with potential funding opportunities.
4. Engage the Board in Funder Stewardship
Building relationships with funders isn’t just about securing grants—it’s about creating lasting partnerships. Your board can play a key role in stewarding these relationships.
Ways Boards Can Steward Funders:
Thank Funders Personally: Ask board members to write handwritten thank-you notes or make phone calls to thank funders for their support.
Host Events: Invite funders to events where board members can personally share their appreciation and showcase your impact.
Provide Updates: Involve board members in sharing program updates or success stories with funders to keep them engaged.
Practical Tip:
Create a quarterly stewardship plan that includes specific actions board members can take to engage with funders and deepen relationships.
5. Set Clear Expectations for Fundraising Involvement
Board members often want to help but may not know what’s expected of them. By setting clear and realistic expectations, you can ensure they contribute effectively to your grant strategy.
How to Set Expectations:
Define Roles: Outline specific ways board members can support grant efforts, such as attending funder meetings, sharing connections, or reviewing proposals.
Provide Training: Offer role-specific guidance, such as how to navigate funder meetings or craft impactful thank-you notes.
Set Goals: Establish individual or collective board fundraising goals to motivate participation and track progress.
Practical Tip:
During your annual board retreat, dedicate time to discuss fundraising expectations and grant-related responsibilities. Follow up regularly to monitor progress.
6. Equip Your Board with Talking Points
When engaging with funders, board members must communicate your organization’s mission and impact clearly and compellingly. Equip them with key talking points that align with your grant strategy.
Key Talking Points to Provide:
Mission and Vision: A concise statement of your organization’s purpose and goals.
Impact Data: High-level statistics and success stories that demonstrate your effectiveness.
Current Needs: Specific funding priorities for programs or projects.
The Ask: How the funder’s support will make a difference.
Practical Tip:
Create a “Funder Talking Points Card” for board members. This can be a simple one-pager or a digital file they can reference during conversations.
7. Involve Board Members in Grant Strategy Meetings
To deepen their understanding of your funding priorities, invite board members to participate in grant strategy discussions. This fosters buy-in and ensures alignment between the board and staff.
How to Involve Board Members:
Invite to Planning Meetings: Include key board members in meetings where you discuss your grant calendar, funder priorities, and submission timelines.
Assign Roles: Identify specific areas where board members can contribute, such as helping to research funders or providing feedback on proposals.
Share Progress Reports: Keep the board informed about grant successes and opportunities during regular meetings.
Practical Tip:
Designate a “Board Liaison for Grant Strategy” who serves as a bridge between staff and the board, ensuring consistent communication and engagement.
8. Celebrate Success Together
Acknowledging the board’s contributions to your grant success reinforces their commitment and enthusiasm for future efforts.
Ways to Celebrate:
Share Updates: Announce grant awards during board meetings and highlight how the board’s involvement played a role.
Recognize Contributions: Publicly thank board members who helped secure funding or build funder relationships.
Host a Celebration: Organize an annual event or meeting to celebrate grant milestones and reflect on the board’s impact.
Practical Tip:
Include grant success stories in your board newsletter or email updates. This keeps members informed and motivated.
9. Provide Ongoing Support and Feedback
Supporting your board throughout the year ensures their continued engagement and effectiveness in building relationships with foundations.
How to Provide Support:
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule one-on-one meetings to discuss progress and address challenges.
Provide Updates: Keep board members informed about grant opportunities, deadlines, and outcomes.
Offer Recognition: Acknowledge their contributions regularly to reinforce the value of their efforts.
Practical Tip:
Create a shared dashboard or tracker to monitor the board’s progress on grant-related activities. Use this as a tool to celebrate wins and identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Board for Grant Success
Your board is an untapped resource when it comes to relationship-building with foundations. By providing education, setting clear expectations, and equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need, you can turn your board members into effective ambassadors for your organization.
With their support, your nonprofit will not only strengthen its grant strategy but also create meaningful, lasting partnerships with funders. Start implementing these tips today, and watch your board become an integral part of your grant success story!
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