Serving on a nonprofit board isn’t a seat to fill—it’s a responsibility. A commitment. It’s the moment where passion meets purpose. But here’s the kicker: being a board member in a nonprofit leadership program isn’t just about sitting in on quarterly meetings, nodding in agreement, and then heading home. It’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting to work for the cause you believe in. So, let’s take a deep dive into what that work actually looks like.

1. The Duty of Care

Your nonprofit’s mission? You’re in charge of safeguarding it. Board members have a duty of care, which means you’ve got to be hands-on. Know what’s happening in the organization. Ask tough questions. Read the financials before the meeting, not during. If something seems off, speak up. Care isn’t passive. It’s action-oriented. If the ship goes down, you should have been the one steering to avoid the iceberg in the first place. This hands-on approach is a cornerstone of effective nonprofit leadership programs.

2. The Duty of Loyalty

Loyalty goes beyond just showing up and smiling for the group photo. It means being all in. Your loyalty should lie squarely with the nonprofit, not your personal agenda or side hustle. Conflicts of interest? They need to be called out, addressed, and avoided. Loyalty also means putting the nonprofit’s best interests above your own and making decisions with integrity. Understanding this duty is essential for those who aspire to become a board member.

3. The Duty of Obedience

Now, I get it—no one likes the word “obedience.” It feels too much like a dog following orders, right? But this is important. Obedience, in this context, means keeping the nonprofit on track with its mission. As a board member in a nonprofit leadership program, you’re there to ensure the organization doesn’t drift. That means knowing the bylaws, keeping an eye on the mission, and ensuring the nonprofit’s activities align with both.

4. Fundraising

Let's tackle the elephant in the room. Fundraising. Yes, it's your job when you become a board member. Yes, it's important. I know, I know—people don't join nonprofit leadership programs because they want to ask their friends for money. But here's the thing: you believe in this mission, right? So why wouldn't you want to share it with others and ask them to support it? Fundraising isn't just shaking a tin cup. It's opening doors, making introductions, leveraging your network, and yes, sometimes writing a check yourself. It's part of your duty as a board member, and there's no way around it.

5. Financial Oversight

The financials aren’t just for the accountants. Board members are tasked with overseeing the nonprofit’s finances, ensuring the organization is fiscally sound and responsible. This doesn’t mean you need to be a financial wizard, but you do need to understand the basics: budget, cash flow, income sources, expenses. If something doesn’t add up, it’s your job to ask questions, dig deeper, and protect the nonprofit’s resources.

6. Strategic Planning

A nonprofit can’t survive on passion alone. It needs direction, goals, and a clear plan for the future. That’s where strategic planning comes into play. Board members help chart the course, ensuring that the nonprofit is moving toward long-term sustainability. This isn’t just about what’s happening now—it’s about vision. Are you thinking about the next five, ten years? Where is the nonprofit headed? It’s your job to make sure there’s a roadmap to get there.

7. Hiring and Evaluating Leadership

A nonprofit is only as strong as its leadership, and hiring an executive director is one of the most critical roles a board plays in its nonprofit leadership program. Once the leader is in place, it's not a "set it and forget it" situation. Evaluating their performance, supporting their development, and holding them accountable is key. But remember: this doesn't mean micromanaging. There's a balance. The board hires, guides, and supports, but it doesn't run the day-to-day operations.

8. Advocacy and Ambassadorship

You’ve got the nonprofit’s name behind yours, and that comes with a responsibility to be an ambassador. This means championing the organization, promoting its work, and raising awareness. Whether you’re at a cocktail party, community event, or on social media, your role as a board member is to be a constant advocate. Your voice is powerful—use it.

9. Compliance and Legal Responsibility

Nonprofits are subject to laws and regulations, and when you become a board member, it's your job to ensure the organization stays compliant. This can be everything from filing tax forms on time to adhering to nonprofit laws in your state. Ignoring these responsibilities can put your nonprofit at risk—and nobody wants that.  Understanding these legal aspects is crucial for those who want to become a board member and is a key focus in many nonprofit leadership programs so stay on top of it.

10. Fostering Organizational Culture

Lastly, but certainly not least, board members help shape the culture of the organization. It starts with the boardroom. Are you fostering collaboration, transparency, and respect? The tone you set trickles down to staff and volunteers. A healthy organizational culture is the bedrock of a successful nonprofit, and the board plays a significant role in maintaining it.

In Conclusion: Being a Board Member Is a Privilege—Treat It That Way

When you become a board member, you’re not just filling a seat. You’re holding the reins of an organization's nonprofit leadership program that’s trying to make the world better in some way. Don’t take that lightly. Understand your duties, embrace your responsibilities, and remember why you’re there: to serve a mission greater than yourself. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about you—it’s about the work, the impact, and the people who rely on the nonprofit to make a difference.

So go ahead, roll up your sleeves. There’s work to be done, and you’re just the person to do it.

As a nonprofit fundraiser and leader, when you review your donor database management system throughout the year, you may come across the absence of donors who have supported your cause in the past. While many lapsed donors have drifted away for reasons beyond your control, it’s crucial to recognize that some of them can be re-engaged through well-designed donor programs, and these supporters are well worth your attention.

THE IMPORTANCE OF RE-ENGAGING LAPSED DONORS

Reconnecting with lapsed donors is not only easier but also more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Lapsed donors are not “cold” prospects. They are already familiar with your cause and organization, and you don’t need to convince them of your legitimacy.

These individuals have supported your mission before, and it’s highly likely that they still share a commitment to your cause. Furthermore, lapsed donors offer valuable insights into why donors lapse and at which stage in your year or donor cultivation cycle it occurred. This knowledge can be instrumental in improving your donor programs.

While some may have lapsed due to factors beyond your control, others might have lost interest because of infrequent communication, excessive solicitations, or a lack of recognition for their contributions. Gathering this feedback can significantly improve your donor retention strategies in the future, which is one of the most effective fundraising tips for nonprofits.

STRATEGIES FOR RE-ENGAGING LAPSED DONORS

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS:

• Consider in-person meetings, such as coffee dates, especially for VIP or major donors with whom you’ve had a personal connection.
• Utilize phone calls and face-to-face Zoom sessions as efficient alternatives to update lapsed donors on your recent achievements.
• At the very least, express your gratitude with a handwritten note, thanking them for their past support and expressing your hope for future engagement in your donor programs.

PERSONALIZED EMAILS:

• Segment your email list to target lapsed supporters who haven’t engaged recently with your donor programs.
• Seek their input and preferences regarding the content they’d like to receive from you and implement their feedback.
• Personalize all communications by addressing donors by their name in the greeting and strategically throughout the email. Avoid generic salutations like “Dear Friend.”

ACKNOWLEDGE GIVING ANNIVERSARIES:

• Keep track of the last donation date for lapsed donors within your donor programs.
• Send a letter or email expressing gratitude for their past contributions and highlight the impact their donations had on your organization’s accomplishments since their last gift.

DEVELOP A PLAN:

• Create a comprehensive strategy for re-engaging lapsed donors, just as you would for your active donors in your existing donor programs.
• Make a genuine effort to understand their preferences and interests in your organization.
• Even if they can no longer donate, consider how they can continue supporting your cause through volunteering, providing feedback, or promoting your nonprofit to their social circles. This approach is one of the most valuable fundraising tips for nonprofits looking to maintain long-term relationships.

REKINDLING OLD FRIENDSHIPS

In the realm of nonprofit development and donor programs, it’s fundamentally about connecting with those who support your organization’s work. Think of lapsed donors as old friends who may have gone without communication for a while. The relationship remains open, and with the right approach, you can rekindle their support for your cause. By implementing these strategies and fundraising tips for nonprofits, you can strengthen your donor programs and build lasting relationships with your supporters.

Creating a development plan can feel like trying to build a house without blueprints—you're grabbing tools and materials, but there’s no clear path to the finished product. A well-crafted plan is your nonprofit’s roadmap to fundraising success, helping you focus your efforts, allocate resources wisely, and hit your revenue goals. Let’s dive into how you can create a nonprofit development plan that works for your nonprofit, all while avoiding the overwhelm.

Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Development Plan

If your nonprofit is operating without a clear development plan, you’re not alone. Many nonprofits find themselves in reactive fundraising mode, constantly hustling to catch up on revenue needs without a strategic path forward. But here’s the reality: a nonprofit development plan isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for sustained growth. A good plan will keep your team aligned, your board engaged, and your mission moving forward.

1. Set Clear and Specific Goals

The first step in creating your fundraising plan is setting clear, specific, and measurable goals. This isn’t just about saying, “We want to raise $100,000.” Be intentional:

• Annual Revenue Goals: What’s your target revenue for the year? Break it down by each fundraising source—grants, individual giving, events, corporate sponsorships, etc.
• Program Goals: Are there specific programs that need funding? How much is required to fully fund them?
• Donor Acquisition and Retention: How many new donors do you want to acquire? What’s your retention goal?

Pro Tip: Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to ensure your objectives are not just wishful thinking but actionable targets.

2. Identify Your Key Fundraising Strategies

Once your goals are in place, it’s time to outline the strategies you’ll use to meet them. This section of your nonprofit development plan is your playbook—it defines the key fundraising activities your nonprofit will focus on.

Here’s a look at some common strategies you might include:

• Individual Giving: Appeal campaigns, major gifts, monthly giving programs, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Grants: Researching opportunities, writing proposals, and maintaining funder relationships.
• Events: In-person galas, virtual fundraisers, and community events.
• Corporate Partnerships: Sponsorships, cause marketing, and employee giving programs.
• Planned Giving: Cultivating legacy gifts through wills, trusts, and bequests.

Pro Tip: Diversify your revenue streams to avoid becoming overly dependent on one source of funding. A healthy mix of individual giving, grants, and events can help stabilize your nonprofit’s finances.

3. Define Action Steps and Assign Roles

The success of your fundraising plan depends on execution, which means every strategy needs a set of action steps and assigned roles. This section is all about breaking down each fundraising strategy into manageable tasks and determining who will be responsible for what.

• Action Steps: List each specific action required to implement the strategy. For example, if one of your strategies is major gift solicitation, your action steps might include identifying prospects, crafting personalized pitches, and scheduling meetings.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Assign each task to a specific person—whether it’s your development director, an enthusiastic board member, or a volunteer. This helps ensure accountability and keeps your plan from gathering dust on the shelf.

Pro Tip: Be realistic about your team’s capacity. If you’re a small nonprofit, prioritize the strategies that have the highest return on investment and are achievable with your current resources.

4. Create a Fundraising Calendar

A nonprofit development plan without a timeline is like a GPS with no directions. A fundraising calendar is your roadmap, laying out when each fundraising activity will happen throughout the year.

• Monthly Giving Push in January: Kick off the year by promoting monthly giving. Set up a campaign that runs for 4 weeks.
• Grant Deadlines in Q2: List all grant application deadlines for the year. Be sure to include time for writing, review, and submission.
• Fall Appeal Campaign in October: Plan your direct mail or digital campaign to coincide with end-of-year giving.

Pro Tip: A well-thought-out calendar will help you avoid the dreaded “feast or famine” cycle of fundraising by ensuring consistent revenue throughout the year.

5. Develop a Budget for Your Plan

Don’t skip this step. Your nonprofit development plan isn’t just about raising money; it’s also about understanding what it costs to raise that money. Outline the expenses associated with each strategy, including staff time, marketing materials, event costs, and more.

• Direct Mail Costs: Printing, postage, and design fees.
• Event Expenses: Venue rentals, catering, and decor.
• Software Subscriptions: CRM, email marketing, and donor management tools.

Pro Tip: Calculate the return on investment (ROI) for each fundraising strategy to ensure you’re maximizing your dollars spent.

6. Measure Success and Adjust as Needed

Last but not least, make sure your fundraising plan includes a system for tracking progress and evaluating results. Regularly review your fundraising performance against your goals, and don’t be afraid to adjust your plan if something isn’t working.

• Key Metrics: Track metrics like donor retention rate, average gift size, and fundraising ROI.
• Review Meetings: Schedule quarterly reviews with your team to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.

Pro Tip: Use data to drive your decisions. If a strategy isn’t performing as expected, analyze why and tweak your approach. Flexibility is key to a successful development plan.

Bringing It All Together

Your nonprofit development plan is more than just a document—it’s your strategic partner in fundraising. By taking the time to outline your goals, strategies, and action steps, you’re setting your organization up for success. And remember, your plan isn’t set in stone. It’s a living, breathing guide that should evolve alongside your nonprofit’s needs. So get started today, and watch as your fundraising takes off in new and exciting directions.

Ready to create a winning fundraising plan without starting from scratch? Grab our comprehensive Development Plan Template, designed specifically for nonprofits like yours. It includes easy-to-follow steps, action-packed strategies, and all the tools you need to map out your fundraising success. Don’t miss this opportunity to simplify your planning process and boost your fundraising efforts. Get your Development Plan Template today and take the first step toward a more sustainable future for your nonprofit!

You're passionate, driven, and fueled by a desire to make a difference. You've got a big vision for your nonprofit, but translating that into a concrete plan can feel overwhelming. Enter the nonprofit business plan: your roadmap to success.

Whether your nonprofit is just starting out, facing challenges, or thriving with years of success, crafting a nonprofit business plan is an absolute must! Why, you ask?

By developing a nonprofit business plan, you're not just creating a document; you're igniting the dynamic roadmap for your organization's journey. It defines the who, what, and how of your nonprofit's operations, assigning responsibilities and charting the exhilarating course towards your ambitious goals!

With your nonprofit business plan, your team is crystal clear on your goals, challenges, and path forward. It sets achievable targets for the next few years, keeping you focused and accountable. It's also your touchstone, revisited throughout the year to ensure your actions align with your vision. No more drifting off course, unsure if you're making a real difference. This plan reminds you and your donors what you're about and, more importantly, what you're not.

Your nonprofit organization also needs a business plan to best secure support of any kind, this is true whether you are seeking monetary donations, in-kind donations, recruiting volunteers, etc. 

Why a nonprofit business plan is your secret weapon:

Unlike for-profits targeting investors, nonprofits appeal to a diverse audience: donors, volunteers, foundations, and clients - all with a vested interest in your "why" and "how." You need to understand how to speak to each of them, and building your plan will help you do that.‍

Ready to write your nonprofit business plan? Here's your 7-step guide:

1. ‍Mind your audience: Avoid jargon and acronyms. Write for everyone, not just experts.‍
2. Outline your plan: Know what information you need to gather before you start writing.‍
3. Keep it simple: 12-point font, Times New Roman, readable margins, and white space are your friends.‍
4. Divide and conquer: Use clear headings and separate pages for each section.‍
5. Data with pizazz: Charts and graphs make your facts sing.‍
6. Proofread like a pro: Even the best writers need an editor.‍
7. Stay positive: Highlight your solutions, not just the problems you tackle.
   

Now, let's dissect the sections:

Executive Summary: This is your elevator pitch, the most read section. Tell your story of change, mission, vision and goals.

Products, programs, and services: Dive deep into what you offer. Detail the need you address and your unique approach. Highlight your impact on your community, both now and in the future.

Operations: This is where you showcase your organizational muscle. Mention your nonprofit's areas of focus, your team, and how you're structured for success. Don't forget your location(s) and past accomplishments if you're established.

Marketing: It's not just about good deeds. Tell everyone about them! Explain your branding, online reach (website, social media, SEO), and how you plan to get noticed.

Operational plan: Daily duties meet long-term dreams. Show your practical side and your big-picture vision. Include daily operations, costs, expansion plans, and how you'll get there.

Finances: Be transparent. Lay out your funding projections and expected expenses. Use tables for easy reading.

Appendix: This is your catch-all for anything extra: board member bios, research papers, or anything relevant that doesn't fit elsewhere.

Remember, your plan is a living document. Use it, update it, and let it guide you towards the impact you were born to make.

Feeling inspired? Join the Success For Nonprofits Membership Program for a nonprofit business plan template and start writing! Your community is counting on your impact and success!

Running a nonprofit can often feel like juggling on a unicycle—there’s never a dull moment, but there’s always something precarious about to tip. One of the most essential yet overlooked elements of this balancing act is your board of directors. These individuals aren’t just names on a roster; they’re the backbone of your organization. But how do you make sure they’re fully engaged, aligned with your mission, and ready to step up when needed? That’s where board surveys come in.

Why Survey Your Board?

Board surveys aren’t just another box to check off your to-do list—they’re a powerful tool to assess how your board is functioning and how you can make it better. A well-crafted survey provides valuable insights into board members’ perceptions, identifies areas for improvement, and helps set a path toward becoming a high-performing board. Think of it as a diagnostic tool for the health of your board. When done right, surveys can reveal where the wheels are coming off before the whole thing crashes.

What Should Your Board Survey Ask?

When you’re crafting your nonprofit board survey, it’s tempting to stick to the basics: “Do you attend meetings regularly?” or “Are you satisfied with your role on the board?” But let’s be honest—these questions won’t spark the kind of feedback that leads to meaningful change. We need to dig deeper. Below are some categories and specific questions that will help you get to the heart of what’s really going on in that boardroom.

1. Board Engagement and Participation
   • How often do you feel fully prepared for board meetings?
   • Do you feel your voice is heard during discussions?
   • What barriers prevent you from being more engaged with the organization?
2. Board Roles and Responsibilities
   • Are the roles and responsibilities of board members clear and well-defined?
   • Do you feel that your skills and expertise are being utilized effectively?
   • How comfortable are you with your understanding of the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic plan?
3. Board-Executive Director Relationship
   • How would you describe the relationship between the board and the executive director?
   • Do you feel that the executive director provides the board with the information needed to make informed decisions?
   • What suggestions do you have for improving communication between the board and executive director?
4. Fundraising and Financial Stewardship
   • How comfortable are you with your role in fundraising?
   • Do you feel adequately trained to participate in financial oversight?
   • How confident are you in the organization’s financial health?
5. Board Meetings
   • Are board meetings structured in a way that maximizes your time and input?
   • Do you feel that meetings are focused and productive?
   • What would you change about the way board meetings are conducted?
6. Board Dynamics and Culture
   • How would you describe the culture of the board? (Inclusive? Collaborative? Competitive?)
   • Are there any conflicts or tensions among board members that need addressing?
   • Do you feel a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose with other board members?
7. Personal Experience and Satisfaction
   • Are you satisfied with your overall experience as a board member?
   • What’s one thing that would make your board service more fulfilling?
   • Would you recommend serving on this board to others?

How to Use the Survey Results

You’ve sent out the survey, and now you’re staring at a pile of data. The key is not just to collect the feedback but to act on it. Start by sharing the results with the board, discussing key takeaways, and setting clear, actionable steps to address any issues that arise. Remember, transparency is your friend here. Your board members will appreciate knowing that their feedback isn’t just vanishing into the ether.

Final Thoughts: Make It Routine

One survey isn’t going to magically fix all your board issues. Make surveys a regular part of your board’s annual routine. Use them to track progress, celebrate successes, and course-correct when needed. Remember, the goal is not perfection; it’s continuous improvement. Your board deserves that, and so does your mission.

So, let’s get those survey questions out there, listen closely to what your board is telling you, and work together to build a board that’s not just functional but fabulous. Because a great board doesn’t just happen—it’s cultivated, nurtured, and, yes, sometimes nudged along with the right questions.

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