Blog

I remember thinking I had made the worst mistake of my life.I had finally convinced a few smart, passionate people to join my nonprofit board. I thought the most challenging part was over.But after the first three meetings?Nothing.No follow-up. No fundraising. No initiative. Just blank stares, missed calls, and excuses.I started wondering if I had chosen the wrong people. Maybe they didn’t really care. Maybe I needed to fire them all and start again.But then something hit me. What if the problem wasn’t them?What if the problem was me?Not because I didn’t care, but because I hadn’t given them the structure to show up and succeed.See, most founders think board success is about the right personalities. But it’s not.✔️ It’s about bringing in the right people who complement the board through the right process.✔️ The right expectations.✔️ The right system to make sure no one is left guessing.The truth is, a board without a system is like a car without a steering wheel. It might look great parked, but it’s not going anywhere.That realization changed everything for me and for the founders I now work with every day.Once I built a clear structure for onboarding, engagement, accountability, and fundraising, something wild happened:⚫️ The same board members who once ghosted me started taking initiative.⚫️ They started donating, asking others to give, and showing up like leaders.⚫️ My nonprofit finally had a team. Not just names on a paper.I call that system The Board Ultimate Fix, and it’s everything I wish I had when I was stuck doing everything myself.It contains the exact tools, templates, and steps you need to turn your board into a powerful, fundraising-ready leadership team without hiring a consultant or starting from scratch.If you’re tired of being the only one pushing the mission forward. If you’re done with meetings that go nowhere.Let me show you what it really takes to fix your board. If you're struggling to find the right board members, there's a proven 7-step process to follow, and skipping it is precisely why many founders end up with the wrong people.1. It starts with a Board Audit — identifying who you already have, who’s missing, and the kind of people that complement your mission.2. Then comes Board Recruitment Planning — deciding the roles you need, crafting your outreach strategy, and identifying where and how to find them.3. Step three is building your Board Outreach Materials — including your board prospectus, recruitment scripts, and positioning messages.4. After that, you Onboard Your Recruitment Team — the people helping you find and approach new board candidates.5. Then you Launch Your Board Outreach Campaign, start reaching out, booking conversations, and screening for fit.6. Once interest is shown, you Vet and Interview Prospects, run Background Checks, and make Reference Calls.7. And finally, you Onboard Them the Right Way, with clear expectations, a strong orientation, and a public introduction to affirm their role.That’s how you recruit the right people. But maybe your board isn’t new. Perhaps they’re just… stale. If you want to reactivate your current board, here’s the process that works:1. Start with a Board Audit and Self-Evaluation — let them assess their own commitment. You’ll quickly spot who’s ready to step up and who needs to step out.2. Recruit new members if needed to fill the gaps.3. Then run a Strategic and Organizational Development Planning Session. When everyone understands the mission, the stakes, and the strategy, motivation naturally returns.4. Next, Delegate Responsibilities based on your plan and each board member’s strengths and interest.5. Equip and empower them — through training, support materials, encouragement, and if needed, recruiting volunteers to back them.6. Put Accountability Systems in place — like reporting structures, check-ins, and a Board Development Committee to track follow-through.7. Reward results and recognize progress publicly.8. Address non-performance using your accountability standards.9. And always Celebrate Wins Together — even the small ones.10. Lead by example — show them what’s possible and teach them how to take initiative.This is how you turn board members into dedicated doers. Now, let’s talk about fundraising.If you want your board to raise real money, here’s what works:1. Begin with 100% Board Giving — every member should give something meaningful to show they’re invested in the organization.2. Move into Relationship Mapping — identifying who they know that could support the mission.3. Then comes Fundraising Planning — clarify your goals, methods, and campaigns.4. Run a Market Study and Wealth Screening — find high-potential donors, brands, and grantmakers inside and outside your current reach.5. Build your Fundraising Team — this can start with volunteers and gradually include your most committed board members.6. Develop your Fundraising Materials — case for support, donor packets, pitches, and follow-up systems.7. Onboard and Train the Team, including board members, so they’re confident in asking.8. Then, execute the Plan Together — engage, cultivate, ask, follow up, and steward donors.9. Don’t forget to Steward Donors who give and follow up with those who haven’t.10. And last, build a Culture of Philanthropy — where giving, gratitude, and growth are embedded into your entire organization.This is the art and science of building a board that doesn’t just exist, but leads. And here’s the good news:You don’t need to figure this all out on your own.To learn how to execute each of these processes, step by step, in your own organization, you need The Board Ultimate Fix.It’s just $99 — less than a bowl of chicken soup at a fancy restaurant.You’ll get the exact tools, templates, and guides I’ve used with founders and nonprofits across the country to:✔️ Recruit the right board members✔️ Activate and empower them✔️ Turn them into fundraising champions.This is the blueprint every founder should have.This is the system your mission has been waiting for.Because once you learn how to build a board the right way, you become the kind of leader board members follow, funders trust, and communities rally behind.Ready to fix your board?<a title="The Board Ultimate Fix" href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fix-your-board" data-mce-href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fix-your-board">Learn More About The Board Ultimate Fix</a><figure id="figure-rn26qf94nmboxk9a9"><img id="rn26qf94nmboxk9a9" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2210362559/photo/multicultural-team-celebrating-unity-with-hands-joined-in-success.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=t4mOIofS-w3gQYHP49VUaGWHBMmkqIT7ADgIWLeb4f0=" alt="Multicultural Team Celebrating Unity with Hands Joined in Success" title="Multicultural Team Celebrating Unity with Hands Joined in Success" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2210362559/photo/multicultural-team-celebrating-unity-with-hands-joined-in-success.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=t4mOIofS-w3gQYHP49VUaGWHBMmkqIT7ADgIWLeb4f0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

Your Board Isn’t Broken. But Without a System, it’s Useless.

Group of five diverse young businesswomen standing against a wall holding a recruit sign outside in the city. Team of colleagues holding a sign with a message while standing in a row together outdoors

Let me tell you something most people won’t:Recruiting board members isn’t hard.Recruiting the right board members, the ones who support your leadership, carry the mission with you, and help move money, is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do as a founder.But it’s not impossible. You just need a process, a real one, not guesswork.I learned this the hard way.At the start of my nonprofit journey, I brought people in who *liked* me but didn’t understand the role. People who had passion but no time. People who said yes… and then disappeared.What I built wasn’t a board, it was a burden.And the truth is, most founders are doing the same thing. They’re recruiting emotionally, randomly, and without structure.And that’s why so many are struggling alone, carrying the mission on their back while their board barely shows up.Here’s what no one tells you:The board you build determines whether you rise or burn out.And the only way to build it right is by following every step, carefully, intentionally, and without skipping corners. Let me walk you through the steps you must take to build a board that works, and why missing even one can cost you everything.Step 1: Conduct a Board Audit — Because You Can’t Add If You Don’t Know What’s MissingBefore you look for new people, you need to understand what you already have — and what your board needs.This audit helps you answer:What strengths are already present?What skills, voices, or networks are missing?Are your current members aligned or dead weight?What is the value proposition for joining your board?If you skip this step, you risk recruiting more of the same and reinforcing dysfunction. That’s how bad boards get worse.Tool You Need: Board Audit Form Step 2: Build a Recruitment Plan — Because Random Outreach Leads to Random ResultsOnce you know what you need, you must create a strategy to get it.That includes:<ul><li>What kind of members are you recruiting (skill sets, demographics, networks)</li><li>Where you’ll find them</li><li>Who will help with outreach</li><li>What materials will be needed?</li></ul>If you skip this step, you start winging it, messaging anyone, getting desperate, and settling for whoever says yes.That’s how founders end up with people who like the mission but won’t lift a finger for it. Tool You Need: Recruitment Plan Builder + Board Recruitment Strategy Guide Step 3: Create Compelling Outreach Materials — Because No One Joins What They Don’t UnderstandLet me be clear: no one serious is joining your board based on a text message, blank email, or a casual inbox DM.You need:<ul><li>A board prospectus that explains the mission, vision, and values</li><li>A clear board agreement</li><li>Board Application Form</li><li>A professional invitation letter or email</li><li>Board outreach content &nbsp;and more</li></ul>If you skip this step, you confuse or underwhelm good candidates and attract those who aren’t ready for real responsibility. Tool You Need: Sample Board Recruitment Templates and Content Step 4: Onboard a Recruitment Team — Because You Shouldn’t Do This AloneYes, you are the founder.But no, you shouldn’t be the only one recruiting, even though you can do it all by yourself. You need 2–3 allies, staff, current board members, or past supporters, who can support you during interviews.If you skip this step, you risk looking like a one-man show with no proper organization.Tool You Need: Team Recruitment + Onboarding Strategy Step 5: Launch Your Outreach Campaign — Because Hope is Not a Recruitment StrategyOnce your materials and team are ready, it’s time to execute, not hesitate. This can be through email, phone, social media, or in-person meetings. Share your materials, talk about your mission, and invite them to consider joining. The strategy is to go where your prospects congregate.The key here is consistency. Don’t just send one message and wait. Follow up. Build the relationship.If you skip this step, momentum dies. People forget. Great candidates lose interest. You stall and you stay stuck.Tool You Need: Board Outreach Content + Top Platforms To Find Board Members Step 6: Vet and Interview — Because Saying Yes Doesn’t Mean They’re a FitWhen someone says they’re interested, you don’t skip to the celebration. You evaluate. You must:<ul><li>Ask the right questions in the interview</li><li>Understand their motivations</li><li>Gauge their availability, interest, and alignment</li><li>Run background checks or reference calls</li></ul>If you skip this step, you’ll bring in nice people who drain your time and never deliver. And worse, you’ll lock yourself into a team you can’t count on.Tool You Need: Interview Question Bank + Reference Call Template Step 7: Onboard and Introduce — Because Leadership Begins With ClarityOnce they’ve been approved, the onboarding process isn’t just a formality; it’s where the foundation is set. It is where you establish commitments.You must:<ul><li>Communicate expectations</li><li>Provide board policies, bylaws, and responsibilities</li><li>Walk them through your organizational structure and strategic priorities</li><li>Get them to sign the board agreement</li><li>Introduce them to the rest of the board</li><li>Make their presence public and more</li></ul>If you skip this step, you’ve just brought someone into a moving car without telling them where it’s going or how to drive. And confused board members always underperform.Tool You Need: Onboarding Sequence Checklist + Welcome Packet Template + Public Announcement Script Here's the Truth You Can't Ignore:Recruiting the wrong board can set you back years.Every skipped step opens the door for future disappointment, and founders like you can’t afford that. But the good news?Once you understand and master this process, you become a founder that no one can ignore.✔️You’ll be able to build your board any time you need.✔️ You’ll never feel desperate, stuck, or unsupported again.✔️ You’ll be seen as a leader who doesn’t just attract great people, but leads them well. You can do this, and you don’t need to hire a consultant to make it happen.You just need to learn how to execute each step of the process the right way.That’s why I created The Board Ultimate Fix, your complete guide and toolkit to build a board that actually helps you lead, fundraise, and grow. For just $99, you’ll get:<ul><li>Every template, checklist, and script you need to execute these 7 steps</li><li>A full walkthrough to guide you through the process</li><li>Lifetime access to the system, so you can repeat it whenever your board needs a refresh</li><li>The ability to build a strong board on your own, with no guesswork, no consultant fees, and no waiting</li></ul>If you want to be a founder your board respects, this is where it starts. The board doesn’t build itself.You build it.And this is how.Get The Board Ultimate Fix now and start recruiting board members who actually show up and support you.<a title="Board Fix" href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fix-your-board" data-mce-href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fix-your-board">Learn More About The Board Ultimate Fix﻿</a><figure id="figure-o3ufxhnlnmbozif5v"><img id="o3ufxhnlnmbozif5v" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/935621248/photo/group-of-businesspeople-waiting-for-partners-at-departure-zone-of-airport.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=_fUavsCxjBIxkz250tQJwbx8s-NooNIthKHawTNofLQ=" alt="group of businesspeople waiting for partners at departure zone of airport" title="group of businesspeople waiting for partners at departure zone of airport" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

How to Recruit the Right Board Members That Will Actually Support You

You know the feeling.You're chasing deadlines, writing grants, planning events, managing volunteers, and barely sleeping, while your board shows up to meetings empty-handed, silent, or full of vague promises. It’s exhausting.It isn’t very encouraging.And it’s not your fault, but it's your responsibility to rectify the situation.I used to think I just had the wrong people. I blamed their schedules, their personalities, even their lack of nonprofit experience.But the truth?I didn’t give them structure. I didn’t give them directions.I hadn’t built a system that turned board members into doers.Once I did, everything changed.They started showing up, following through, and helping me carry the weight.And that system, that process, is what I now teach others.If you want a board that works, shows up, and takes action, you don’t motivate them with speeches. You build them with structure. Here are the 8 non-negotiable steps you must take to transform your board and why skipping any of them keeps you stuck doing everything yourself.Step 1: Run a Board Audit and Self-Evaluation — Because You Need the Truth, Not AssumptionsYou can’t transform what you don’t understand.You need a comprehensive audit of who is actually contributing, who is showing up, who is coasting, and where the gaps in commitment lie.Pair this with a board self-evaluation, a tool that helps each member reflect on their engagement, strengths, and areas for growth.If you skip this step, you’ll keep assigning tasks to people who were never committed in the first place.Tool You Need: Board Audit Form + Self-Evaluation Survey Step 2: Fill the Gaps — Because You Can’t Build on Dead WeightIf the audit shows that some people need to step down, let them.It’s not personal. It’s necessary. Dead weight kills momentum.You must open the door for new board members who bring what’s missing:&nbsp; time, skills, energy, or networks.If you skip this step, you’ll continue to drag along people who don’t want to be there, and the ones who do will burn out.Tool You Need: Exit Email Template + New Recruitment Template + Materials Step 3: Run a Strategic + Organizational Development Session — Because Alignment Creates Action Your board cannot act on what they don’t understand. When you bring them together for a strategic session:They see the big pictureThey understand the stakesThey help shape the directionAnd most importantly, they see where they fit inIf you skip this step, your board will stay in the dark, unclear, uninspired, and uncommitted.Tool You Need: Strategic Planning Session Template + Mission Alignment Guide + Facilitation Script Step 4: Delegate Responsibilities — Because Without Ownership, There’s No Engagement&nbsp;Once the plan is clear, assign roles and responsibilities. Not just titles, tasks.You must delegate based on:<ul><li>Strengths</li><li>Passion</li><li>Availability</li><li>Organizational need</li></ul>Let them choose but hold them to it. If you skip this step, your board will nod in meetings but never lift a finger.Tool You Need: Delegation Template + Responsibility Matching Tool Step 5: Equip and Empower — Because Assigning Isn’t the Same as EnablingYou can’t just give them responsibilities and disappear.You need to equip them.That means:<ul><li>Clear how-to guides</li><li>Templates for what they’re responsible for</li><li>Short training</li><li>Support and encouragement</li><li>Sometimes, even pairing them with volunteers to assist</li></ul>If you skip this step, your board will flounder. Even good people will underperform when they feel unprepared.Tool You Need: Board Training Toolkit + Quick-Start Guides Step 6: Set Up Accountability Systems — Because Follow-Up Is What Drives Follow-ThroughYou need a structure that tracks what gets done and what doesn’t. This could include:<ul><li>Monthly board reports</li><li>A dashboard of commitments</li><li>A Board Development Committee responsible for check-ins</li><li>Public progress updates at meetings</li></ul>Accountability isn’t harsh, it’s healthy. If you skip this step, your board will slide right back into silence. Tool You Need: Board Accountability Tracker + Committee Formation Blueprint Step 7: Reward, Address, and Celebrate — Because Culture Is Built, Not Hoped ForYou want people to take initiative? Start by recognizing those who do.And when someone doesn’t follow through, don’t ignore it. Address it privately and firmly, based on the expectations you’ve already set.Most importantly, celebrate wins. Small or big. Personal or collective. Celebration creates momentum.If you skip this step, your board won’t feel seen — and invisible effort eventually dies.Tool You Need: Board Recognition Templates + Reward Menu + Accountability Scripts Step 8: Lead by Example — Because Nothing Speaks Louder Than ActionYour board will not become doers if they don’t see you doing.<ul><li>Model what follow-through looks like.</li><li>Be consistent, clear, and proactive.</li><li>Show them what commitment to the mission looks like in real time.</li></ul>Founders don’t just build organizations. We model what leadership looks like.If you skip this step, your board won’t follow because there’s no one to follow.<ul><li>You Can’t Skip Steps and Expect Results</li><li>This is not about motivation.</li><li>This is about structure, clarity, and culture.</li></ul>If you’ve been doing everything alone, it’s not because you’re a bad leader.It’s because no one showed you how to build your board the right way.But now you know.And you can change it, &nbsp;starting today. The Board Ultimate Fix Is Your Way Out✔️ You don’t need a consultant.✔️ You don’t need to spend thousands.✔️ You don’t need more trial and error.You need a step-by-step system with the exact tools and templates to execute every one of these 8 steps without the stress or the guesswork.That’s exactly what The Board Ultimate Fix gives you. &nbsp;For just \$99, you get:Every tool, tracker, and script mentioned in this post, the exact process I’ve used to help founders turn their boards aroundLifetime access, so you can return to the system anytime your board needs a tune-upThe confidence to lead your board like a true executive, one they respect, follow, and support You can build a board that works.You can stop carrying the whole mission alone.You can become the kind of leader whose board members say, “Let’s get it done.”Grab The Board Ultimate Fix and start leading a board that actually does the work.<a data-mce-href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fix-your-board" href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fix-your-board" title="Board Fix">Learn More About the Ultimate Board Fix</a><figure id="figure-yitenktmjembp0j8d2"><img id="yitenktmjembp0j8d2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/654112196/photo/dreamers-and-doers.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=aMZdSAE7bJoVlUqiTwKH_OY-5WHfsGZWy1hJTRpWzhU=" alt="Dreamers and doers" title="Dreamers and doers" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

If You’re the Only One Doing the Work, You Don’t Have a Board, You Have a Problem

Teamwork and unity in business with multiethnic colleagues joining hands together

Most founders dream of a board that raises money, opens doors, and pushes the mission forward.But here’s the truth: You don’t find that kind of board. You build it.No one joins your board knowing exactly how to raise money for your organization. If your board isn’t fundraising, it’s not because they don’t care — it’s because you haven’t led them through the right process.And if you don’t have a process, you’re stuck depending on luck.You don’t need luck.You need a system and the willingness to implement it.Here are the 9 essential steps you must take to transform your board into fundraising champions. These are not “tips.” These are requirements.If you skip any, you’ll stay stuck. If you follow them, you’ll watch your board change before your eyes.&nbsp; Step 1: 100% Board Giving — Non-Negotiable Your board cannot ask others to give if they haven’t given themselves. Period.You cannot build a fundraising culture on hypocrisy. You need a board that leads by example. If even one member hasn’t given, they undermine the credibility of your ask.This step sets the tone. It says: “We believe in this mission enough to sacrifice for it.”Don’t delay. Lead the charge. If they haven’t given, stop everything and fix that first.Tool You Need: Board Pledge Forms + Personal Commitment Templates (included in The Board Ultimate Fix).&nbsp; Step 2: Relationship Mapping — Because Money Follows Connection You can’t raise real money without relationships — and your board has them.But without structure, their network stays locked in their head.You must create space and a system for uncovering who they know:Business owners Grant funders Church leaders Past colleagues College friends Social clubs If you don’t do this, you’re fundraising blind.Tool You Need: Relationship Mapping Template.&nbsp; Step 3: Fundraising Planning — Because Random Effort Produces Random Results Winging it won’t work.You need a clear fundraising plan that includes:<ul><li>How much you’re trying to raise</li><li>Who is responsible for what</li><li>What methods you’ll use</li><li>How you’ll track and evaluate efforts</li></ul>Without a plan, you’re just “hoping” someone gives. Planning creates focus, shared goals, and accountability.Tool You Need: Strategic Fundraising Plan Template + Role Assignment Guide.&nbsp; Step 4: Market Study and Wealth Screening — Because Strategy Beats Hustle Fundraising is not just about working hard, it’s about working smart.A simple market study helps you:<ul><li>Identify local funders</li><li>Spot businesses that sponsor similar causes</li><li>Understand your community’s giving capacity</li><li>Target people most likely to say yes</li></ul>If your board is asking the wrong people, they will always feel defeated.This step changes that.Tool You Need: Market Study and Wealth Screening Platforms&nbsp; Step 5: Build a Fundraising Team — Because Your Board Cannot Do This Alone Even if every board member wants to help, they’re not full-time staff.You must build a support system around them:<ul><li>Volunteers who handle logistics</li><li>Staff or interns who help with follow-up</li><li>Committees that share the load</li></ul>This creates energy, momentum, and shared accountability. A team approach makes fundraising doable and sustainable.Tool You Need: Onboarding Checklist&nbsp; Step 6: Develop Fundraising Materials — Because Confidence Requires Preparation If your board doesn’t have the right words, tools, or messaging, they will stay silent.Every board member must be armed with:<ul><li>A Case for Support</li><li>A One-Pager on your programs</li><li>Talking points and email scripts</li><li>Sample donor thank-you messages</li></ul>They don’t need to “figure it out.” You need to give it to them.Preparedness builds confidence. Confidence creates action.Tool You Need: Full Fundraising Toolkit.&nbsp; Step 7: Onboard and Train Your Team — Because People Rise When Expectations Are Clear You must run a short but intentional training session that:<ul><li>Clarifies expectations</li><li>Teaches them how to talk about the mission</li><li>Shows them how to make the ask</li><li>Explains how you’ll track results</li></ul>Training isn’t a luxury. It’s your foundation.Without it, your board is guessing. And guesswork doesn’t raise money.Tool You Need: Training Template + Follow-Up Plan.&nbsp; Step 8: Execute and Track — Because What You Don’t Track Doesn’t Grow Once you launch, you must track:<ul><li>Who made what ask</li><li>What the result was</li><li>Who still needs follow-up</li><li>What gifts came in</li><li>Who was stewarded</li></ul>Tracking builds momentum. It keeps your board accountable. It also helps you see where to double down and where to course-correct.&nbsp; Step 9: Build a Culture of Philanthropy — Because Fundraising Is Not an Event, It’s a Mindset This last step is what sustains everything else. Philanthropy must be part of your board culture. That means:<ul><li>Publicly celebrating giving</li><li>Recognizing effort and initiative</li><li>Reinforcing generosity at every board meeting</li><li>Making fundraising part of your board identity</li></ul>When fundraising is normalized, it becomes natural.&nbsp; You Don’t Need a Consultant. You Need the Right Tools. Listen closely:<ul><li>You can do this.</li><li>You don’t need to hire someone to teach this.</li><li>You don’t need another training session that leaves you overwhelmed and still stuck.</li><li>You need a repeatable system you can plug into your organization and execute at your own pace.</li></ul>That’s exactly what The Board Ultimate Fix gives you.For just $99, you get:✔️ Every tool and template listed above ✔️ A detailed execution guide for each step ✔️ Confidence to lead your board through the entire fundraising transformation ✔️ Lifetime access — use it anytime you add new members or launch new campaigns This is your chance to stop surviving and start leading.The founder who can activate their board to fundraise doesn’t just raise money; they earn respect.Their board listens. Their donors respond. Their organization grows.You can be that founder. All you need is the system.Get The Board Ultimate Fix now and turn your board into the fundraising team you’ve been praying for.<a data-mce-href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fix-your-board" href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fix-your-board" title="Board Ultimate Fix">Learn More About The Board Ultimate Fix﻿</a><figure id="figure-uaf0ehbe1mbpbhnxa"><img id="uaf0ehbe1mbpbhnxa" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/603992138/photo/meeting-of-shareholders.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=VDb2ob10J2v1WxeHxLKoMgT5Q95SMW8loBz9ZmeVlTs=" alt="Meeting of shareholders" title="Meeting of shareholders" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

If You Want a Fundraising Board, You Must Build It

Let me tell you a secret: I used to beg my board to fundraise.I’d send emails. Share training videos. Drop hints in meetings. I even wrote scripts for them.And every time?Silence. Excuses. Discomfort. Delay.At some point, I told myself: "Maybe they're just not fundraisers. Maybe I need a new board."But the truth hit me like a brick: It wasn’t that they couldn’t fundraise; it’s that no one had shown them how.No one had given them a system. No one had made them feel equipped. No one had made them feel like fundraising was their job, too.That realization changed everything for me and for the nonprofit founders I now coach.Because once I implemented a system that broke it all down step by step, fundraising became less scary. It became structured, shared, and strategic.And yes, the same board that once avoided fundraising started showing up, giving first, and helping raise real money.You can do the same. Let me show you how.&nbsp; Step 1: Start With 100% Board Giving Before your board can ask anyone to give, they need to give first.Why? Because fundraising starts with investment.If your board isn’t personally invested in the organization, they will always hesitate to ask others to do what they themselves haven’t done.This doesn’t mean they all have to give thousands; it means every board member gives a gift that’s meaningful to them. Something that reflects commitment.Tool you’ll need: A Board Giving Pledge Form + Intro Content explaining why 100% board giving matters (provided inside The Board Ultimate Fix).&nbsp; Step 2: Relationship Mapping Your board members know people. They just don’t know how to connect those people to your mission, yet.Relationship mapping helps uncover:<ul><li>Friends, colleagues, or businesses that align with your cause</li><li>Donor prospects hidden inside their networks</li><li>Brand or foundation connections that could open doors</li></ul>You’re not asking them to fundraise yet. You’re asking them to identify who they know — and start connecting the dots.Tool you’ll need: A Relationship Mapping Template and Introduction Strategy (included in The Board Ultimate Fix).&nbsp; Step 3: Fundraising Planning You need a game plan, not vague goals.Most boards resist fundraising because the ask feels unclear or too big. But when they’re part of a real plan, with structure, targets, roles, and tools, fundraising becomes doable.Involve them in:<ul><li>Setting the funding goal</li><li>Choosing the fundraising strategies (grants, events, individual donors, corporate gifts)</li><li>Agreeing on their roles</li></ul>This gives them ownership. And people support what they help create.Tool you’ll need: A Fundraising Planning Template and Campaign Role Menu.&nbsp; Step 4: Market Study and Wealth Screening Here’s where strategy meets science.Your board shouldn’t just chase anyone; they should pursue the right prospects. A simple market study and wealth screening will help you:<ul><li>Identify high-potential donors in your community or network</li><li>Spot aligned companies or foundations</li><li>Learn where your time and efforts are most likely to pay off</li><li>This shifts the board’s energy from “random asks” to “targeted outreach.”</li></ul>Tool you’ll need: Market Study &amp; Wealth Screening Platforms.&nbsp; Step 5: Build Your Fundraising Team Don’t expect your board to carry the whole weight. Build a team.That could be:<ul><li>A small fundraising committee (board + volunteers)</li><li>A campaign task force</li><li>Or a lead volunteer paired with each board member </li></ul>Your board doesn’t have to be expert fundraisers, but they should be part of a team that supports them and helps execute.Tool you’ll need: Team Role Guide, Platforms to find volunteers and Team Onboarding Checklist.&nbsp; Step 6: Develop Fundraising Materials You wouldn’t send your board into a meeting without an agenda, so don’t send them into fundraising without materials.Equip them with:<ul><li>A compelling case for support</li><li>Simple talking points</li><li>Sample emails and messages</li><li>Follow-up templates</li></ul>This turns nervous fundraisers into confident ambassadors.Tool you’ll need: The full Fundraising Materials Kit, everything from donor letters to sponsor decks.&nbsp; Step 7: Onboard and Train the Team You don’t need a consultant for this; you need structure.Host a 60-minute training session. Walk everyone through:<ul><li>Your fundraising goals</li><li>The message and mission</li><li>How to invite people to give or meet</li><li>How to follow up</li><li>Keep it simple. Clear roles. Clear expectations.</li></ul>The goal is not perfection, it’s confidence.Tool you’ll need: Board Fundraising Training Template&nbsp;&nbsp; Step 8: Execute, Track, and Steward Now you launch.Set short campaigns. Track who is doing what. Celebrate effort as well as results. And when donors give, make sure they’re thanked, stewarded, and invited to stay close.If a donor doesn’t give, follow up. Sometimes the second ask is the one that lands.&nbsp; Step 9: Build a Culture of Philanthropy Here’s the final and most important shift.When your board sees fundraising as mission work (not money work), everything changes.They begin to:<ul><li>Take pride in asking</li><li>Share the mission boldly</li><li>Feel ownership in the organization’s success</li></ul>And as they see the results, new donors, more visibility, greater sustainability, they become more motivated, more respected, and more invested.They become fundraising champions.&nbsp; You Can Lead This Process Without a Consultant. You don’t need to outsource this.You don’t need a fancy retreat or a $5,000 strategy session.You just need the tools. The structure. The words. The plan.That’s what The Board Ultimate Fix gives you for just $99.Inside, you’ll get:✔️ Every template, worksheet, and sample you need to lead your board through this process ✔️&nbsp;A full breakdown of each step — no guesswork, no fluff ✔️&nbsp;Lifetime access so you can return to the process every year ✔️&nbsp;The clarity and confidence to lead like a pro Once you learn this system, you’ll never feel stuck again. ✔️&nbsp;You’ll be able to mobilize your board anytime. ✔️&nbsp;You’ll earn their respect — and your own credibility as a nonprofit leader.Your board is not your weakness. They’re your sleeping giant.✔️&nbsp;Wake them up. ✔️&nbsp;Train them up. ✔️&nbsp;And let them carry the mission with you.Get The Board Ultimate Fix now, and let’s build your team of fundraising champions. <a data-mce-href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fix-your-board" href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fix-your-board" title="Board Ultimate Fix">Learn More About The Board Ultimate Fix﻿</a><figure id="figure-758dngc9mhmbpcw9tc"><img id="758dngc9mhmbpcw9tc" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1992448814/photo/team-teamwork-and-unity-concept-diverse-team-putting-hands-together-group-of-diverse-business.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=R6ZBg7fsCa49p3vvFPjLfzHYa-egKE4SrByoh-YBfkc=" alt="Team, teamwork, and unity concept. Diverse team putting hands together. Group of diverse business people. Working together as a team. Partnership and togetherness create a strong sense of community." title="Team, teamwork, and unity concept. Diverse team putting hands together. Group of diverse business people. Working together as a team. Partnership and togetherness create a strong sense of community." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

How to Transform Your Board Into Fundraising Champions (Even If They’ve Never Asked for a Dime)

Subject: Following Up: Our First Step to Funding the Mission Hi Team, Thank you all again for your incredible energy and strategic input at our Resource Development Planning session. It was powerful to see everyone aligned and committed to building a sustainable future for our organization. As we discussed, the most effective way to kickstart the plan we created together is for us, the leaders in this room, to make the first investment. Our 100% board participation is the vote of confidence that will inspire every other donor to follow our lead. To make this process simple and official, I have two important forms for you attached to this email: The 100% Board Giving Pledge Form: This is your personal commitment to the mission. Please fill it out to the best of your ability, remembering that our goal is 100% participation, not a specific dollar amount. Every gift matters and signals our unified strength. The Relationship Mapping Form: This is the tool we will use to strategically and confidentially identify potential supporters within our collective networks. Please take 20-30 minutes to think through your connections—this is the first step to unlocking our hidden fundraising potential. Please complete both of these forms and return them to me by [Date - e.g., end of day next Friday, July 4th]. This is the moment we move from planning to action. Thank you for being the first to step up. I am truly excited to launch this plan with you. Best regards, Name Role [INSERT YOUR ORGANIZATION'S LOGO HERE] Board of Directors Annual Giving Pledge Form Fiscal Year: [Insert Fiscal Year, e.g., 2025-2026] Our Commitment as Leaders As members of the Board of Directors, our leadership and personal investment are the foundation of our organization's fundraising success. Our unanimous participation sends a powerful message to our staff, volunteers, and community that we believe deeply in the mission and are committed to ensuring it is fully funded. Thank you for making this personal commitment. Your gift, at whatever level is meaningful to you, is a vital first step in achieving the strategic goals we have set together. Board Member Information Full Name: _________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ 1. My Commitment ( ) Yes, I commit to making a personally meaningful annual financial contribution to [ORGANIZATION NAME] as part of my leadership role on the board. 2. My Giving Plan Total Pledge Amount for the Year: $______________________________ I will fulfill my pledge as follows (please select one): ( ) A one-time gift ( ) Monthly installments of $_____________ ( ) Quarterly installments of $____________ ( ) Other: ________________________________ Date I intend to complete my pledge payment(s): _________________________ 3. Payment Method ( ) Check: My check, payable to [ORGANIZATION NAME], is enclosed. ( ) Online: I will make my gift online at [Insert Link to Your Donation Page]. ( ) Stock or Other Assets: Please contact me to discuss making a gift of securities or other assets. 4. Recognition &amp; Confidentiality ( ) I am comfortable with my participation being shared with the board, funders, or donors as part of demonstrating 100% board giving. ( ) I prefer my specific pledge amount to remain confidential among senior leadership. 5. Optional: Matching Gift ( ) I intend to request a matching gift from my employer. Employer Name: _________________________________ Signature By signing below, I affirm my commitment to 100% board giving and to leading our mission with integrity. (Signature) Thank you for setting the standard and investing in the future of [Organization Name]. For Office Use Only: Date Received: ____________ | Logged by: _______________ | Pledge Fulfilled: ( ) Yes ( ) No [INSERT YOUR ORGANIZATION'S LOGO HERE] Board of Directors Relationship Mapping Form Unlocking Our Collective Network As leaders and ambassadors for [ORGANIZATION NAME], our collective network is one of our most powerful, untapped assets. The purpose of this exercise is not to create a list of friends to ask for money. It is a strategic tool to help us identify individuals, businesses, and community leaders who may have a natural affinity for our mission. Your role is simply to help us open the door; our fundraising team will take it from there. Your insights are invaluable. Please take 20-30 minutes to thoughtfully consider your connections across different areas of your life. Board Member Information Full Name: _________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ Instructions: For each category below, use the prompts to brainstorm individuals, companies, or groups. Please list anyone you know who might care about our cause, is a community leader, or has supported nonprofits in the past. Section 1: Individuals (Personal &amp; Community Networks) Think about the people you know through your personal life, hobbies, and community involvement. Who in your network cares about our cause? Members of your faith-based community? Members of your civic clubs (e.g., Rotary, Kiwanis)? Neighbors or friends who have expressed philanthropic interests? Leaders from other nonprofit organizations who could be partners? Name Relationship (e.g., Friend, Colleague) Why They Might Care / Background Willing to Intro? (Y/N)Section 2: Businesses &amp; Companies (Corporate Connections) Which businesses are you affiliated with (as an employee, customer, or friend), loyal to, or know to be active in community support? Many companies have matching gift programs or CSR initiatives. Your current employer? Your spouse's/partner's employer? Former colleagues who are now leaders at other companies? Key vendors or suppliers you have a strong relationship with? Company Name How Are You Connected? Contact Person/Title Willing to Intro? (Y/N)Section 3: Professional Services Think about the professionals you hire personally or for your business. These are potential in-kind donors, sponsors, or sources of expert advice. Who is your Lawyer / Law Firm? Who is your Accountant / Financial Advisor? Who is your Bank / Banker? Who is your Real Estate Agent or Insurance Agent? Service (e.g., Law Firm, Bank) Name of Person/Firm Willing to Intro? (Y/N)Section 4: Foundations &amp; Grantmakers Do you have a personal or professional connection—even a distant one—to anyone who works for or serves on the board of a philanthropic foundation or charitable trust? Foundation Name Your Connection / Contact Person Willing to Intro? (Y/N)Thank you for your thoughtful participation. Your network is a powerful force for good, and this exercise is the first step in channeling it to advance our shared mission. Please return this worksheet to the board chair or the executive director. How to Create Your Board Forms with Google Forms: A Step-by-Step Guide This guide will walk you through creating two of the most critical tools for your board's fundraising efforts: the 100% Board Giving Pledge Form and the Relationship Mapping Form. Google Forms is a free and simple tool that is perfect for this task. Part 1: How to Create the 100% Board Giving Pledge Form Step 1: Create a New Form Go to forms.google.com. Click on "+ Blank form" to start. Step 2: Set Up the Header Form Title: [Your Organization Name] - Board Giving Pledge Form Form Description: Copy and paste the following text: As members of the Board of Directors, our leadership and personal investment are the foundation of our organization's fundraising success. Our unanimous participation sends a powerful message that we believe deeply in the mission and are committed to ensuring it is fully funded. Thank you for making this personal commitment. Step 3: Add the Form Questions Click the "+" button to add a new question for each item below. Full Name Question Title: Full Name Question Type: Short answer Make this question Required. Date Question Title: Date Question Type: Date My Commitment Question Title: My Commitment Question Type: Checkboxes Option 1: Yes, I commit to making a personally meaningful annual financial contribution to [YOUR ORGANIZATION NAME] as part of my leadership role on the board. Make this question Required. My Giving Plan Question Title: Total Pledge Amount for the Year ($) Question Type: Short answer (Set validation to "Number") Pledge Fulfillment Question Title: I will fulfill my pledge as follows: Question Type: Multiple choice Options: A one-time gift, Monthly installments, Quarterly installments, Other (please specify). Recognition &amp; Confidentiality Question Title: Recognition &amp; Confidentiality Question Type: Multiple choice Option 1: I am comfortable with my participation being shared (not the amount) to demonstrate 100% board giving. Option 2: I prefer my participation and pledge amount to remain completely confidential. Step 4: Share the Form Once you are finished, click the "Send" button in the top-right corner. Go to the link tab (🔗), copy the link, and you are ready to send it to your board members. Part 2: How to Create the Relationship Mapping Form Step 1: Create a New Form Go to forms.google.com and click "+ Blank form". Step 2: Set Up the Header Form Title: Board of Directors: Relationship Mapping Form Form Description: Copy and paste the following text: As leaders for [ORGANIZATION NAME], our collective network is one of our most powerful assets. This is a strategic tool to help us identify individuals and businesses who may have a natural affinity for our mission. Your role is simply to help us open the door; our team will take it from there. Please take 20-30 minutes to thoughtfully consider your connections. Step 3: Add the Form Sections and Questions Use the "Add section" button (looks like two rectangles) to break the form into clear parts. Section 1: Board Member Information Full Name (Question Type: Short answer, Required) Date (Question Type: Date) Section 2: Individuals (Personal &amp; Community Networks) Section Description: Think about people you know through your personal life, hobbies, and community involvement (e.g., members of your faith community, civic clubs, neighbors, former colleagues). Question: Please list 1-3 individuals. (Question Type: Paragraph) Section 3: Businesses &amp; Companies (Corporate Connections) Section Description: Which businesses are you affiliated with (as an employee or customer), loyal to, or know to be active in community support? Think about your employer, your spouse's employer, key vendors, etc. Question: Please list 1-3 businesses. (Question Type: Paragraph) Section 4: Professional Services Section Description: Think about the professionals you hire personally or for your business. These are potential in-kind donors or sponsors. Question: Who is your Lawyer, Accountant, Banker, Real Estate Agent, etc.? Please list 1-3. (Question Type: Paragraph) Section 5: Foundations &amp; Grantmakers Section Description: Do you have a personal or professional connection—even a distant one—to anyone who works for or serves on the board of a philanthropic foundation or charitable trust? Question: Please list any foundations that come to mind. (Question Type: Paragraph) Step 4: Share the Form Click the "Send" button, go to the link tab (🔗), copy the link, and send it to your board.

The Nonprofit Strategist

Blog

Your Board Isn’t Broken. But Without a System, it’s Useless.

How to Recruit the Right Board Members That Will Actually...

If You’re the Only One Doing the Work, You Don’t Have a B...

If You Want a Fundraising Board, You Must Build It

How to Transform Your Board Into Fundraising Champions (E...

100% Board Giving and Relationship Mapping Tempate