A development director is finishing the year-end appeal while answering donor questions, preparing the board report, and arranging the next event. At a board meeting, someone asks what more the development director can do to bring in gifts.
Before adding another task, review how the campaign work is divided among the development director, executive director, staff, and board. Board members can introduce potential supporters or follow up with donors they know. Program staff can supply the information the appeal needs.
In The Definitive Morganisms (free PDF), Jim Morgan describes nonprofit boards whose members support the mission but remain observers. A board can apply that principle during fundraising season by agreeing on specific contributions rather than watching the campaign from a distance.
Ask each board member what they can realistically do. Someone may introduce the executive director to a potential supporter. Another may thank donors they know. A third may help arrange a visit where a supporter can see the work. Equip them with accurate information and coordinate contact through the development team.
The executive director has work to do as well. Make campaign decisions promptly, set aside time for donor conversations, and decide which routine tasks staff can postpone so they have time for the campaign. The fundraiser should have enough support to direct the campaign without having to perform every part of it.
The executive director and board chair should review the campaign task list with the development lead. Assign one unfinished task to a named person who has the time and ability to complete it. Agree on a deadline and how they will report back.
Two questions:
Which campaign task is waiting because only one person is expected to do it?
What campaign task could a board member complete with clear instructions and the information they need?
Know a nonprofit colleague facing this situation? Send this to them. The free Applied Wisdom booklet offers more practical leadership guidance.
P.S. Jim Morgan’s Applied Wisdom for the Nonprofit Sector is now available in Spanish. Request a free digital copy and share it with Spanish-speaking colleagues.