Category: Board Development

Since the start of the pandemic 6.2% of nonprofits have added new boards members, according to a survey of 424 nonprofits in 156 countries. So, what’s working with boards members giving?

By Laurence A. Pagnoni, MPA Fundraising drives with sizzling names raise more money. It’s a statistical fact. The name of your campaign, annual drive, or new program should be dynamic and memorable, and convey your values to donors and funders, and the passionate impact you seek. Consider these successful names: “Close to Home” is the name for the University of Connecticut’s UCONN Foundation Faculty and Staff Annual Drive which includes various direct giving options plus automatic payroll deductions. The name says it all and conveys the powerful sentiment of belonging, that faculty, staff, and supporters constitute a family. “Second Show”

By Laurence A. Pagnoni, MPA This is part four of a five-part series. To read part one, What Does A Leadership Council Do, click here. To read part two, Defining and Naming Your Leadership Council, click here. To read part three, Four Situations Best Served by Your Leadership Council, click here. The first step in recruiting Leadership Council (LC) members is to clearly define what it is you are expecting of them, both in terms of time commitment and ultimate goals. Remember that anyone you approach is going to be, in all likelihood, a busy person, and people have their own time obligations. I

By Laurence A. Pagnoni, MPA This is part three of a five-part series. To read part one, What Does A Leadership Council Do, click here. To read part two, Defining and Naming Your Leadership Council, click here. Just as there are different types of leadership councils, there are key moments in your growth when a leadership council can help your nonprofit. Consider these four big moments: 1) When an Acquisition, Merger or Strategic Alliance is Underway When two organizations join, either through acquisition, merger or strategic alliance, the new board of directors doesn’t necessarily have to just double in size.

By Laurence A. Pagnoni, MPA This is part two of a five part series on leadership councils. Part One: “What Does A Leadership Council Do?” (click the text to read the full post) Finding a powerful name, and defining the purpose, should be top on your list of tasks as you start and develop your Leadership Council. Here’s three reasons why: You want the members themselves and the public to take notice. You want to convey energy and vision. You want to differentiate it from the Board of Directors. Meeting all three criteria is essential. Secondly, there are many ways

By Laurence A. Pagnoni, MPA A leadership council is a group of individuals outside of your board (though some of them may also be board members) who fulfill a number of special functions for your agency. Unlike your board members who assume a governance responsibility, the council is a nongovernance group. This is part one of a five part series on leadership councils. To read part two, “Defining and Naming Your Leadership Council”, click here. Click here to tweet this article. What A Leadership Council Does Depending on the type of council you empower, a leadership council can enable you

By Laurence A. Pagnoni, MPA Your board member’s giving is necessary for many reasons. Consider these top whys and wherefores. An appeal letter is particularly convincing if a board member uses him or herself as an exemplary donor, with the ideal being the board member offering a challenge gift. The donor that you are approaching often wants to know that the Board members are giving generously. Secondly, the board is responsible for providing a sound financial basis for your organization. By personally contributing, a board member recognizes this responsibility and demonstrates a commitment. Board members should be asked for multiple