#376- Boards Don't Avoid Fundraising. They Avoid Embarrassment.
from Nonprofit Lowdown Hosted by Rhea Wong
I got so much feedback from the last episode about boards that we’re going there again. Here’s the hot take: Your board isn’t avoiding fundraising. They’re avoiding embarrassment. They’re protecting their reputation. Their relationships. Their social capital. And honestly? I get it. As an executive director, I remember thinking: “I’m out here writing grants and running events. Can you just call your friends?” But what I’ve learned—both as a former ED and a board member—is that this isn’t a motivation problem. It’s a safety problem. Most board members: Don’t want to burn trust with friendsDon’t want to look foolishDon’t want to feel transactionalDon’t want to ambush anyone with an ask When fundraising feels risky, vague, or transactional, they shut down. So here’s the reframe: Staff executes. Board de-risks. Board members aren’t there to run your strategy. They’re there to lend trust. They don’t need more courage. They need guardrails. If the role is vague, it becomes optional. If your board isn’t engaged, don’t guilt them. Design for safety. When people feel safe, they show up. Important Links: Book a Call: https://connect.rheawong.com/ How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
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