For members of nonprofit governing boards, it is common for time and attention to stay focused on approving budgets, evaluating CEOs, affirming strategic plans, overseeing financial audits, and engaging in other fiduciary responsibilities. Governing boards are taught that these are the responsibilities that should fill their time and garner their attention.
But, the most effective governing boards also save time to address and focus attention on the responsibility of the members to give charitably.
They don’t necessarily have a giving policy stating that every board member must give $xxxxxx.
They don’t necessarily ask a board member at each meeting to share why they give.
They don’t necessarily have a board that is filled with only major donors.
But, here is what the best, most effective governing boards have.
They have a giving policy stating that the organization will be a top philanthropic priority for that individual during their time of service on the board.
They talk easily, openly, and often about the importance of board giving – both during the recruitment of potential board members and during board meetings.
They have a standing advancement or development committee that understands their first responsibility is to ensure that board members are giving as generously as each can and are involved with that process each year.
Giving is as much a board member responsibility as any other operational, strategic, or fiduciary responsibility held by boards.
If advancement of the mission through charitable giving doesn’t start with the board members, themselves, why should the board expect others to care enough to give?
