3 Things Donors do not expect from Board Members

As discussed in the last blog post, donors have a specific set of expectations relative to board involvement in the solicitation. Equally important are the things that donors do not expect. The degree to which board members are prepared to meet donor expectations will help signify a successful outcome for the solicitation. If board members clearly understand expectations, they can rehearse to those expectations and develop a corresponding comfort level.

What donors do NOT expect:

1. Although a strong trend in the last decade, research indicates that donors do not expect board members to make the ask. They do however, expect the board member to be present, physically and emotionally, when the ask is made. Of interest, research indicates that at key benchmark points of two weeks, two months and two years post-solicitation, donors believe that the board member actually made the ask if he or she was fully present at the time of the solicitation.
2. Donors do not expect board members to have full knowledge of all programs, projects and endowments within the organization. A successful solicitation is ten percent fact and ninety-percent passion.
3. Donors do not expect board members to have a full and working command of IRS regulations related to charitable gifts. Board members can and should encourage donors to seek counsel in this area prior to finalizing the gift.

A knowledge of donor expectations will be reassuring to board members and will ultimately and positively impact the success of the solicitation.

5 Key expectations donors hold for board members

1. At least two compelling reasons why you joined the board and why you choose to devote your time, talent and resources to the organization.
2. An ability to articulate why the donor's money is important to the organization and why this funding will make a difference.
3. A thorough explanation of how you (and the rest of the Board) will take care of the donor's money, as evidenced through stewardship principles, strict accountability and oversight.
4. Thank you notes, emails and phone calls or other appropriate expressions of gratitude - as a means of communicating both appreciation and commitment to a long-term relationship.
5. Participation in organization-sponsored events and community activities with collateral commitment to ambassadorship for the organization.

Stay tuned for next week's post, which will discuss what donors do NOT expect from a board member!