Your library’s board members are an invaluable resource, especially when it comes to fundraising. They bring a wide range of talents, connections, and passion to the table—qualities that can significantly enhance your fundraising efforts. However, simply having a dedicated group of individuals on your board isn’t enough. To truly unlock their potential, it’s crucial to onboard them effectively, making sure they understand the library’s goals, their role in the fundraising process, and how their unique skills can contribute to the overall mission.
Onboarding board members with a focus on fundraising sets the tone for a collaborative, goal-oriented environment. It also provides clarity on how their involvement can make a meaningful difference. When board members feel informed, empowered, and connected to the library's mission, their enthusiasm naturally translates into greater engagement, which in turn leads to more successful fundraising efforts.
But onboarding isn’t just about logistics and roles—it’s about building relationships. By taking the time to understand their motivations, align their expertise with your needs, and seek their input, you not only strengthen your board’s commitment but also create a team that’s excited to work towards your library’s fundraising goals. This blog post will guide you through 10 practical steps to onboard your board members with fundraising in mind, ensuring they feel confident, supported, and ready to make an impact.
1. Ask What Prompted Them to Join the Board
Understanding why your board members chose to serve is a great first step. Ask them, “What inspired you to join the board?” Their motivations will offer insights into their passions and what they hope to accomplish. Whether it's a love for the library or a desire to give back, knowing this will help you connect their personal goals with the library’s mission.
2. Discover What Excites Them Most
Once you know why they joined, find out what excites them most about being a part of the board. Is it community engagement, program development, or fundraising? Knowing what drives them allows you to assign roles that match their excitement and energy.
3. Identify Their Areas of Expertise
One of the best ways to involve board members is by tapping into their skills. Do they have experience in public relations, finance, event planning, or donor relations? Have a conversation about their professional strengths and match these to the library’s fundraising needs. Let them know how their skills can have a direct impact on the library’s success.
4. Clarify What They Dislike Doing
It’s equally important to ask what they don’t like doing. For example, if someone is uncomfortable with direct solicitation, they might prefer to assist with background tasks like donor research, event logistics, or social media outreach. By understanding their preferences, you can position them where they feel most comfortable and effective.
5. Provide Library Materials for Context
Familiarity with your library’s mission is key for effective advocacy. Provide your board members with materials like your case statement, strategic plan, or even informal documents that explain the library’s goals. The more they know, the more confident they’ll be when speaking with potential donors or community members.
6. Seek Feedback on Opportunities and Strengths
Ask your board members for feedback on your library’s fundraising efforts. What’s working well? Where could there be room for improvement? Their fresh perspectives can help identify new opportunities or refine existing strategies. This also makes them feel heard and involved from the start.
7. Discuss Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
It’s important to set clear expectations from the beginning. Start by discussing the library’s short-term fundraising goals for the year. Then, expand the conversation to cover longer-term objectives, like five-year plans or major capital campaigns. This keeps everyone aligned and focused on the library’s vision for the future.
8. Offer Solicitation Training
If board members will be involved in donor solicitation, provide them with training to boost their confidence. This step is crucial for ensuring they’re prepared for conversations with potential donors. Even if they won’t be directly soliciting, understanding the process can still be valuable in supporting the team.
9. Ask for Their Help in Growing Your Prospect List
Your board members likely have connections that could be valuable to your fundraising efforts. Ask them to help grow your prospect list by introducing potential donors or community partners. Their networks can be a goldmine of opportunities, and they’ll feel proud to contribute in this way.
10. Request Their Own Gift Commitment
Encourage your board members to make their own financial commitment to the library. This is especially important if they’ll be involved in asking others for donations. Having “skin in the game” enhances their credibility and helps them say, “I’ve made my commitment, would you consider donating [this] amount?” during solicitation calls.
Onboarding your board members effectively is a key part of ensuring their long-term engagement and success in fundraising. By following these steps, you’ll create a team of dedicated advocates who understand how to leverage their skills, grow your donor base, and achieve your library’s fundraising goals.
At Fundraising for Libraries, we’re here to support you every step of the way with your fundraising. Whether you’re looking to kickstart your efforts with a focused 16-week program to raise $50,000 or need a customized strategy tailored to your unique goals—be it major gifts, volunteer engagement, donor relations, or more—we’re ready to help. Let’s work together to strengthen your library’s future!