Your Board Doesn't Hate Fundraising. They Hate How You're Asking Them to Do It.

You've seen it. That look on your board members' faces when you mention "major gifts" or "donor cultivation."

They go quiet. They suddenly need to check their phones. Someone remembers they have another call.

Here's what nobody tells you: your board doesn't hate fundraising. They hate feeling awkward, unprepared, and like they're begging.

Most consultants will tell you to "train your board" or "set expectations." I'm telling you to change what you're asking them to do.

What Actually Works:
Stop asking board members to "make the ask." That's what makes them uncomfortable.

Instead, ask them to make introductions. Ask them to invite people to tour your facility. Ask them to share a story at dinner about why they joined your board. Ask them to share a few data points about a recent success.

These things feel natural. These things don't require a script.

Here's the shift:

Your board members know people with money. They don't know how to ask those people for money. There's a difference.

I worked with an ED who spent six months trying to get her board to make calls. Nothing happened. We changed the approach. Board members started inviting their connections to small site visits. Their attitude and energy transformed..

Same board. Different ask.

What to do this week:

1. Stop using the phrase "board fundraising." Start saying "board connections."

2. Make a list of your top 20 prospects.

3. Ask each board member: "Who do you know on this list?" Not "Will you ask them for money?"

4. Create simple 30-minute site visit opportunities where board members can bring friends or hear success stories.

Your board wants to help. They just don't want to feel like salespeople.

Give them a way to help that feels genuine, and watch what happens.

Your next step: If your board has been avoiding fundraising conversations, let's fix that together. I partner with nonprofits to build fundraising systems that don't make anyone uncomfortable.

If you want some help, schedule a coffee chat using this link.