Board Membership 'fee'​ -- "Only $1000"​

She was so excited. She finally was invited to join the board of an organization whose mission she's been passionate about for many years. In sharing this news, she explained to me "the fee is only $1000".

I gasped and thought to myself, "Why does she think there is a 'fee' to serve in a volunteer position? And then it dawned on me that she was talking about the annual contribution the nonprofit required of their board members.

My next thought was how unfortunately the organization has likely missed out on some really great board members who didn't like the idea of paying a 'fee' for volunteer services (it's all in how you ask that determines if a potential donor leans in or walks away). Then I shook my head as I recalled that she had just said 'only $1000' when announcing the 'fee' -- implying she has the capacity and a willingness to give more.

I always recommend that boards use a strategic approach to determine the financial goals and individual giving of each board member verses setting a blanket amount for all. Though every board member should make a "significant gift" to the organization, the significance of $1000 for one may not the same for another. With diversity in board membership should come an expectation of diversity in board giving. The corporate executive, millennial and retiree should not be excepted to give the same amount. This is especially important to keep in mind because you want all board members to both give AND get donations for your organization.

Michelle Nusum-Smith, a licensed nonprofit consultant, coach and trainer, is owner and principal consultant at The Word Woman LLC, a consultancy that helps nonprofits, government agencies, and individuals to develop the skills, knowledge and resources to achieve their missions to do good. With nearly 20 years of nonprofit experience, Michelle has expertise in organizational development and leadership, board development, program development, financial management, fundraising, marketing, and community relations. She is licensed to offer consulting services for the Maryland Nonprofit’s Standards for Excellence® program. Michelle has the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to work with nonprofit organizations across the country interested in learning about and implementing the Standards for Excellence code.

www.thewordwomanllc.com • info@thewordwomanllc.com • 240-215-4984

I really didn't mean to offend her.

With spring comes renewed energy and commitment to achieve our goals -- both personal and professional. So unsurprisingly, over the last week I've gotten more calls about starting a nonprofit and grant support. 

Unfortunately, some of the callers have already fallen into a trap I see all too often. They thought their passions and eagerness to get started on their own would create the nonprofit they envision. What they didn't understand is there is no such thing as solopreneurship in nonprofits.

Nonprofits aren't meant to be started and can't be sustained by one passionate person -- no matter how passionate they are.

A nonprofit's strong foundation begins with building a team of equally passionate people who may or may not ultimately become the founding board members but who are nevertheless committed to helping to build an organization whose mission inspires them to roll up their sleeves and go to work along side you to bring it to fruition.

In a free consultation call this week, I began asking a prospective client the questions I use to help me assess a prospect's needs so I can determine how to best assist them. This caller was quite taken aback by my questions. In fact, she was offended! As part of my questioning, I always provide some free advice because I'm too passionate about nonprofit success to leave anyone completely in the dark.

Her response? She said she didn't call for advice.

She went on to explain that she expected me to give her my rates and get off the phone and said my questions made her feel like I questioned her seriousness and commitment. I told her that I don't treat the process like ordering from a menu because my goal isn't just to sell services but to actually help my clients achieve their goals. By the end of the call, she let down her defenses and expressed an understanding of the need to focus on building a stronger foundation for her nonprofit. 

Is your nonprofit's foundation built more on passion than best practices?

Do you feel like an "army of one" in your organization?

Are your grant requests being denied?

If so, I would love to help you! I encourage you to take advantage these budget-sensitive opportunities:

• Pay-What-You-Can Nonprofit Training Program
• Grant Writing Boot Camp for Small Nonprofits (Scholarships available)

And for more personalized support, you are always welcome to schedule a free consultation call. 

Michelle Nusum-Smith, a licensed nonprofit consultant, coach and trainer, is owner and principal consultant at The Word Woman LLC, a consultancy that helps nonprofits, government agencies, and individuals to develop the skills, knowledge and resources to achieve their missions to do good. With nearly 20 years of nonprofit experience, Michelle has expertise in organizational development and leadership, board development, program development, financial management, fundraising, marketing, and community relations. She is licensed to offer consulting services for the Maryland Nonprofit’s Standards for Excellence® program and has the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to work with nonprofit organizations across the country.

www.thewordwomanllc.com • info@thewordwomanllc.com • 240-215-4984