One of the first myths I learned when I started my nonprofit career can be stated in two words: “Boards fundraise.” Some do, though generally that consists of getting their corporations to contribute or selling tickets to your special events to their friends. These are not, of course, bad things. To the contrary, they are quite good. They are not, however, fundraising. Nor, I would argue, is fundraising asking your friend for a gift in exchange for a gift of the same amount that you will give to the nonprofit where he or she is involved. That, however, is how most board members view fundraising, and it plays a big part in why they don’t want to be involved.
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