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As with business partnerships, the board can help in a number of ways with securing donations, whether through corporate philanthropy, Foundation grants, or individual donations.
In the case of corporate philanthropy and Foundation grants, the nature of the board's possible involvement will be very similar to that outlined for business partnerships, except that the Business Case will become the philanthropic case, and that meetings and negotiations are relatively unusual - most philanthropic organisations seek a written proposal as the starting point.
In the process of securing individual donations, the board's role may include:
| Philanthropy or Donations Strategy |
Role of the Board |
| Build the organisation's donor case |
Contribute to and critique the case |
| Identify projects likely to be attractive to donors |
Bring objectivity to the selection of projects (e.g. those with evident social or cultural benefits) |
| Research the donor market by individuals and families likely to be interested in your organisation and its projects (linkage and interest) |
Use your knowledge of the community and your contacts to enhance the arts organisation's data |
| Identify and agree on a shortlist of potential donors likely to be interested in your organisation and projects (ability to give) |
Critique the long-list, with the staff |
| Allocate team champions to pursue the relationship |
Volunteer to play a lead role, where you have appropriate connections |
| Build the relationships and enhance your knowledge of the potential donors, through regular communications and special events |
Attend social occasions, previews, first nights, work-in-progress events - any activities where potential or actual donors are being cultivated and board members can help |
| Build hypothetical donor cases for prospective good fit donors |
Contribute to and critique the case |
| Develop marketing materials directed to prospective donors - both for the organisation and for each project |
Contribute to and critique the materials especially if you have relevant marketing, pr, fundraising or other experience |
| Make the approaches and hold initial discussions with prospective donors |
Help to set up meetings, where you have connections |
| 'Make the ask' |
Preferably as a peer of the donor, propose the specific amount and purpose (previously agreed with the staff) |
| Follow-up and confirm donation with a commitment |
Ensure the follow up occurs |
| Record any recognition or other 'benefits' agreed |
Ensure that there is appropriate recognition of donors, and that this is handled systematically |
| Monitor progress and report regularly on performance |
Require periodic reports to the board on progress, and on the review of progress with donors |
| Nurture the donor relationship - set the scene for future donations |
Attend activities where donors are being cultivated, and consider creative ways in which the relationship can be furthered |
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