There are a variety of ways for board members to support fundraising events. Not everyone will be able to fill the same role, but everyone can and should contribute to the success of the event! Read more about the four key roles board members can play – inviting guests, securing sponsors, engaging with attendees, and thanking donors.
Attending & Inviting
It is important for the community to see that your Board supports the good work of the organization. An outward activity such as an event is a good way to do so. Hopefully, Board members can not only attend events but encourage and invite others to join them. Whether that means purchasing tickets or a table if it is a ticketed event or filling a table at a donor acquisition event.
Helping with Sponsorships
Again, this will be entirely based on connectivity and comfortability with fundraising. This can include sponsoring the event themselves, asking their business to sponsor, or providing sponsorship leads to the Event Committee or Executive Director. Board members could also serve on the Event Committee, whose primary goal is to secure sponsors and event attendees.
Networking at the Event
With the help of the Executive Director, it will be the Board’s role to network at the event. The Executive Director may share a list of certain individuals attending the event that need a touch point. The Board can help ensure VIPs and donors have a warm welcome and personal ‘thank you’ at the event; this is a strong donor cultivation activity and is a great way to engage board members who are less comfortable with direct fundraising asks.
Thanking Donors & Event Attendees
Adding personalized notes for sponsors or donors from the event is another easy – and effective – way to be involved with the event process. Board members play an important role by handwriting notes on thank you letters, making thank you calls, or sending personal notes to donors who have made significant gifts at the event.
These, or other roles you may think of that are unique to your organization, are great ways for board members to help ensure your event is successful. If you have questions or you would like information on how Kennari can be a resource, in this area or others, please contact us.