|
One of those "hard to get around to" jobs on a nonprofit board is recruiting new members with the commitment, clout, and perspectives the group needs. I think of that first recruitment phone call as the kind of task that takes a year and fifteen minutes to do. One organization that's taken up this challenge by helping corporate leaders find "civic careers" on boards of nonprofit organizations: New York's Volunteer Consulting Group (VCG, founded by the Harvard Business Club.) This month we welcome Guest Editor David LaGreca of VCG, and he shares some thoughts with us . . .
LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION
When meeting with a prospective board candidate, the final question a Board Development or Nominating Committee should ask is: what leadership role might you assume over the next three year period? Bringing up with board candidates the expectation that he or she will have to assume a leadership role (as a committee chair or officer) during their term will go a long way to clarifying expectations for new board members (and build a "bench" for future leadership succession!).
REAL LIFE CHECK-IN: WHAT DO BOARD MEMBERS REALLY THINK AND DO?
"Boardmember's FYI" is a twice-a-year newsletter from the Volunteer Consulting Group with interviews with board members about what really goes on in their boardrooms. Example: What happens when the board president is a problem? For a complimentary copy, e-mail your & "snail mail" address to ethunberg@vcg.org or call in your request to 212-687-8530. "PRE-NUPTIALS"
Are you a new board chair or do you have a new CEO? Try drawing up a "pre-nuptial" agreement on respective responsibilities and how you will work together. Clarifying your role and your availability will allow both of you to bring your strengths to this unique leadership team. For an article on this concept, contact Carol E. Weisman of Board Builders in St. Louis at (314) 991-3018 or at cewfer@aol.com.
WEBSITE OF THE MONTH
Raise money six cents at a time. Here's an innovative, but really slow way to raise money. Register the nonprofit of your choice (that's the one whose board you're on!) at
This Issue's "Big Idea" at the Board Cafe:
Two simple ways to communicate expectations about money
While effective organizations recognize that board members bring expertise and experience, most boards also look to their members for personal financial contributions (their "venture capital"). But communicating fundraising responsibilities in a friendly, positive way is difficult for many organizations. Here are two simple ways to try:
A. Wish List
Staff often assume that board members understand how to help defray day-to-day costs, however, a simple statement of "wishes" will give board members ideas on how to do that! Some creative example of non-cash wish list items include:
++ Having a major printing project for their fiscal year be taken care of by a board member
++ Having each board member provide an introduction to staff of a potential funder (corporation, private foundation, individual) during the year.
++ A color laser printer, a couch, pet carriers, a tractor, or other equipment
++ Having each board member bring at least four individuals to at least two theater parties during the year.
B. Board Member's Budget Pledge Form
Each year, as part of the budget adoption process, one board president we know collects the following simple form from each board member:
For the Fiscal year 1998 my contribution toward the support of this organization will be:
1. My personal contribution: $________
_ Check Enclosed _ Send me a quarterly reminder _ Charge my credit card quarterly:
2. My company will match: ____________________
3. I will make a financial contribution of stock, bequest, other: ____________
4. I will participate in preparations for one or more of our special events:
_ Annual Gala _ Theater Party _ Summer Bash
5. I will assist with fundraising outreach to the following foundations, corporation, individuals:
6. I can provide/identify in-kind resources/services (computer equipment, office supplies, transportation, furniture, professional services, etc.):
Making this form part of the budget process illustrates how contributions are a fundamental part of how the organization will find needed resources for the coming year.
Thanks for joining me this issue . . . David LaGreca |
Cart