Why you need a fundraiser on your board
One of the key responsibilities of a non-profit board is to ensure that the organisation has enough resources to fulfil its mission. This means supporting them with their fundraising programmes.
Among their responsibilities set out in the Good Governance Code, trustees should regularly review charity’s key policies and procedures (including fundraising), and ensure that the fundraising targets are appropriate, realistic, and measurable.
Despite the important role trustees play, evidence shows that fundraising expertise is lacking on many trustee boards. In fact, according to the Institute of Fundraising’s Get Raising report, 81% of respondents said that fundraising skills and experience were underrepresented on Boards they’d worked with, while 92% said that having a fundraiser on their board would help them with their job.
What are the benefits for charities of having fundraisers as trustees?
Not only can it help charity boards embed an informed and innovative fundraising strategy, manage risk appropriately and ensure compliance, it’s also a great opportunity for fundraisers to develop their management and strategic skills, with the view to progressing into a management role.
So why aren’t more fundraisers stepping up to become trustees?
A report by Peridot Partners and The Social Change Agency found the following concerns:
Fundraisers often feel that they’re not the ‘right ft’ for charity boards - that they’re unable to live up to the expected image of a traditional trustee. As a result, they’re put off from applying.
Many fundraisers felt they would be unable to secure the time off work or fit the role in with their other commitments if they weren’t supported by their employers.
Despite already working in the charity sector, many fundraisers reported that they do not know where to look for trustee roles.
When recruiting, it was felt that boards look for more traditional skills such as accountancy or legal experience, and do not consider fundraising skills to be as relevant. As a result, they fail to recognise the valuable skills and experience of their own fundraisers.
What can you do to increase fundraising governance skills on your board?
Consider how you can support your staff to become trustees. Do you offer reasonable flexibility to allow employees to attend Board meetings and fulfil the role? Is it a part of your staff development plans and HR processes?
Your trustee board should review how they operate to ensure they encourage a diverse range of people to join. The times of meetings, or contribution expected should suit those who have to juggle work and family commitments.
Encourage your fundraisers to become trustees as part of their personal development plans.
Your boards should consider creating a fundraising subcommittee as a stepping stone for fundraisers to join the board, to provide better scrutiny and governance around your fundraising activity.
Final Word
Whether you’re a fundraiser looking to take on a trustee role, or a charity looking to implement a strategy to support trustee-fundraisers, we can help. Call us on 020 3750 3111 or email info@bamboofundraising.co.uk.