Five Strategies to Help Spark Board Fundraising

1. Make a personal contribution. “Write a short, handwritten note to the board president to explain why you are making the contribution, and give the check and note to him or her at the end of a board meeting,” Masaoka writes.

2. Collaborate with another board member to hold a dessert party at your residence. Plan the party for a weeknight (7 p.m.) and invite 10 friends and relatives each, letting them know in the invitation that they will learn about the organization and be asked to make a contribution, along with enjoying dessert. Call everyone the day before the party and urge them to attend. Also invite three or four other board members so that they can learn how to hold a dessert party. Serve finger desserts at the party, and make cupcakes but don’t serve them.