Have you ever had a funder require 100% board giving to get a grant? I’ve been seeing this more and more lately. While I understand the rationale (why would a foundation give if your own board isn’t giving) – I’m not sure if it’s the right question to be asking. The foundation is assuming that money = increased commitment to nonprofit – which isn’t always true. I’m sure most of us can think of at least one person that you have served on a board with – or serves on your nonprofit’s board that is not really passionate about your work. They may give hundreds or thousands of dollars a year – but just feel lukewarm about the mission. Maybe they are on the board as a resume booster or for networking. Nonetheless, their donation isn’t an indicator that they care. I’ve even heard of people “buying” board of director’s positions.
I think a better question for foundations is: Do your board members volunteer/attend events outside of the board/committee meetings? If I truly care about an organization, I’m going to give up my time to help the organization succeed. It’s easy and quick to write a check – but it’s not so easy to give up an afternoon volunteering. What would your organization rather have, a board member that hosts house parties, writes letters to their friends asking for donations, and attends your big fundraiser – or a board member that writes you a $100 check?
Photo Credit: Steve Calcott
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I agree completely, we are not asking the right questions. While I will continue to encourage 100% board giving, I agree, that just because you write a check, doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for the year and you shouldn’t want to be.
When I serve on a Nonprofit board of directors it’s because I truly believe that organization’s mission is important. A board members values have to correspond with the organization or they will be more likely to “phone it in”. That’s a sure sign it’s time to move on. Additionally, I’ve seen organizations only looking for the “wealthy donors” to serve on their board, neglecting to see the benefit of young professionals who may have more time to devote to volunteering or helping the organization to advance their mission by doing, not just donating.
(More benefits of Young Professionals on boards in an article I wrote here, http://thegoodcounsel.com/2011/08/29/why-does-a-nonprofit-board-need-young-people/)