3 things I put in every board meeting agenda
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Hi Reader, Board meetings are one of the most wasted opportunities in nonprofit fundraising. You have a room full of people who care about your mission, have networks you haven't tapped, and are supposed to be your fundraising partners. Most agendas don't use any of that. Here's what I always make sure is on mine: 1. A real fundraising update - with actual numbers. Not "things are going well." Revenue year-to-date, goal, and gap. Board members can't help you hit a target they don't clearly understand. Show them where you are. 2. One specific ask. Every meeting should end with board members knowing exactly what you need from them. One thing, not five. "I need three introductions to potential donors before June." Or: "I need two of you at the gala with a guest." Make it specific and time-bound. 3. A donor story. Two minutes. Pick one donor - not a data point, a person - and share what their gift made possible. This is what reminds board members why they showed up and keeps them connected between meetings. That's the baseline. Everything else can vary. But without those three things, your board meeting is probably just an update session with catered sandwiches. If you want an easy to follow check list to prep for your next meeting, I have a Board Meeting Prep Checklist in my shop that walks through all of it. As a subscriber, you get 25% off with code SUBSCRIBER at checkout. Remember to just ask yourself - if you were in their shoes, what would YOU want to learn? Cheers,
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