information request | comments and feedback | email this page 

Upcoming Programs | Archives of Past Programs

"Working with Your Board"

November 10, 2009 - Program Summary

Pat Jacoby, Deputy Director of Development for the MFA, and Anne Cowie, Director of Stewardship and Special Initiatives for the MFA, spoke to the eternal question:  How can we maximize our fund raising by partnering effectively with our boards?

They acknowledged that there is no generic model of board size or composition or organization; and that although board and board member responsibilities are fundamentally the same for all organizations, how boards and board members actually fulfill their responsibilities will vary.  The main thing to remember is that boards and board members alike begin to reach their optimal levels of performance when they exercise their responsibilities primarily by asking good and timely questions, rather than just by "running" programs or implementing their own policies.

Here are some key points:

• Boards are a partner and a resource to fundraisers.
• Try to make board members feel like they are part of a team.
• Show board giving separate from general giving – make it stand out so they can take pride in their giving.
• Great board members can attract other great board members.
• Use Trustees as colleagues.
• A development officer's passion for the mission energizes the board.
• Invite board members' families to Thank You Events/Dinners as well.  It's nice to do – and you are building a pipeline to the next generation.