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
