The nervous looks. The clammy hands. “I’m terrible at asking people for money.” Will anyone volunteer? Few things can be scarier to board members than being asked to be on the advancement committee – but it’s nothing to fear! A good board advancement committee shouldn’t be out there making a ton of high level asks, picking out napkin colors for the gala or writing grant proposals. A great start to the de-mystifying the advancement committee is to outline the roles and expectations of committee members.

A short version is, committee members should be able to provide broad oversight and advice to the internal development staff (these staff are not direct reporting to the committee! That’s getting too operational, and it’s the Executive Director’s job). Rather, the development director should be reporting out progress to the committee, discussing future plans for fundraising, seeking advice on new ideas, and seeking contacts and networking. Board committee members should be willing to provide connections and ‘open doors’ for the development team at the organization to connect. It’s not just names on a fundraising mailing list – committee members should be willing to say to their contacts with philanthropic inclinations, “I know you are involved in some great causes, here’s one that’s important to me. I’d like to make an introduction.”

Board members should also get involved in stewardship, thanking and recognizing donors with calls and letters. Hosting small fundraising events, lending professional legal, marketing, or finance advice (if those are in your areas of expertise), and filling tables at events are all great goals for the advancement committee to have. Also, representing the importance of fundraising (and, ahem, 100% participation!) to the full board is also an important role. In short, board advancement committees don’t have to be scary – and they can be a great springboard for your organization!

The Killoe Group works with many organizations on board development and building effective (and enjoyable!) Advancement committees. Do you think you might need help in this area? Let’s talk! Reach out today to get a conversation started, and let’s get your fundraising to the next level.