Unlocking the Power of Your Board: How to Engage, Equip, and Elevate Your Fundraising Champions

By Kevin Ralph – Senior Vice President

The Angeletti Group has had the privilege of working with numerous healthcare system foundations, and one of the most critical assets for driving philanthropic support is board and volunteer leadership. When board members are properly engaged and supported, they can become invaluable champions of your mission.

The key is ensuring that your board members are not just passive participants but active, engaged advocates.
How do you accomplish this? By setting clear expectations, creating accountability, and providing the right tools to help them succeed. Let’s break down the steps to effectively connect fundraisers with the board to maximize your organization’s fundraising potential.

1. Set Clear Expectations with an Annual Scorecard

One of the most powerful ways to set the tone for success is by implementing a yearly assessment or “scorecard” that tracks each board member’s engagement and contributions. This isn’t meant to be a punitive tool but rather a way to clearly outline expectations and to help members hold each other accountable in a structured, transparent way.

Start by defining the key areas of responsibility through a series of questions that define “baseline” expectations, a sampling of which includes:
• What are attendance and participations requirements for meetings?
• At what level are board members expected to open doors to key donors or prospects?
• What is the expectation for personal contributions?
• How can board members help raise awareness or promote foundation events in their networks?

Allow board members to be a part of the conversation about their specific roles and responsibilities as we know that all board members bring different talents and resources to the table. Some may excel at relationship-building but struggle with direct solicitation. Others might be comfortable with “making the ask” but are less connected to major community leaders. By having this open conversation, you create a sense of buy-in and accountability from the very start.

2. Plan a Self-Evaluation and Review Process

It’s not enough to set expectations at the beginning of the year. The board and leadership need to agree on a regular review process to track progress and adjust along the way.

Key questions to consider:
• When and how will board members evaluate themselves with input and feedback from organizational leadership?
• Will the evaluation happen at mid-year and year-end, or more frequently?
• What will the “grades” look like? Will they be qualitative, quantitative, or both?

This evaluation doesn’t have to be formal or intimidating. Consider short self-assessments or open discussion forums where board members can share what’s working and where they feel they need more support. This process encourages reflection and helps identify areas for growth while fostering a culture of transparency.

3. Equip Your Board with the Right Tools

Once expectations are set and accountability is in place, the next step is ensuring your board members have the tools and resources to succeed. Based on the results of the scorecard, different strategies might be developed to provide more support.

• Coaching and Training: Many board members are passionate but might feel ill-equipped to navigate the complexities of fundraising. Offering coaching sessions or workshops—focused on everything from making connections to understanding how to engage donors—can boost their confidence and effectiveness.
• Prospect Profiles: Equip board members with easy-to-understand prospect profiles. If you expect them to help identify potential donors they need a solid understanding of who’s on your radar and why. Consider creating digestible summaries that focus on key points relevant to board members who may not have a deep fundraising background.
• A Layperson’s Elevator Pitch: Your board members are out in the community speaking about the organization and its priorities, but are they all delivering a consistent and compelling message? Providing a concise, impactful “elevator pitch” in layperson’s terms helps ensure consistency in messaging and gives board members something tangible to use when talking about new initiatives or priorities.

Tools for Different Strengths
Not every board member is a seasoned fundraiser, and that’s okay. Recognize the different strengths they bring to the table. Some may be more adept at making introductions to potential donors, while others may shine in the role of ambassador, promoting events or programs within their networks.

Make sure each board member has the tools they need to leverage their unique strengths. For example, if someone excels at making connections, give them talking points and a clear process for handing-off those connections to the professional fundraising team.

4. Personalized Engagement for Maximum Impact

Ultimately, each board member’s engagement should feel personal and aligned with their strengths and interests. It’s important to engage them in ways that are meaningful and motivating for them. Are they passionate about a specific healthcare initiative, like a new cancer treatment center or children’s wing? Help them tell that story.

Consider creating a personalized plan for each board member that outlines their role in fundraising efforts based on their strengths. This approach not only empowers them but also ensures they are consistently connected to the mission in a way that’s relevant to their passions.

5. Onboarding New Board Members with Clarity

Once you have gained consensus and established a process, orienting new board members is an opportunity to set the tone for a productive, engaged relationship right from the start. During the onboarding process, it’s essential to communicate clear expectations, explain the yearly scorecard system, and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.

By offering this level of transparency and support from day one, you create a culture where new board members feel empowered and accountable, setting the stage for long-term success.

Key Takeaways

Your board members can be your greatest asset when it comes to fundraising and promoting philanthropy within your healthcare organization and foundation. To unlock their full potential, they need clear expectations, ongoing support, and the right tools to do their best work. By implementing a structured approach with a yearly scorecard, regular evaluations, and personalized engagement, you can foster a more effective, engaged board—one that’s fully equipped to help drive your foundation’s mission forward.

Keep the conversation open, provide ongoing support, and watch how your board members turn into powerful champions of your cause.

The Angeletti Group can help you establish a board assessment process and provide coaching to help your board members thrive in their roles.