Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

March 7, 2006

Most nonprofit professionals acknowledge the critical role their Board plays in determining the direction and future of the organization. Nonprofit managers should, in turn, be mindful of the critical role they play in determining the effectiveness of their Boards.

Enlist Appropriately: Identify individuals who possess those qualities you seek in a Board member and cultivate that relationship as you would that of a prospective donor. Invite them to serve on an advisory committee or in some other capacity before asking them to serve on your Board. Keep an active list of prospects to ensure that you have the best candidates to consider when the time comes to fill a spot on your Board.

Educate about Expectations: When an individual is asked to join your Board, and before they accept, take an opportunity to share these expectations with them. They are to: 1) support the organization financially; and 2) serve in a fundraising role on behalf of the organization.

Equip and Empower to Communicate: Board members should participate in an orientation that provides them with an overview of your organization, including your mission and strategic plan. Armed with this information, Board members will be able to share your mission completely and comfortably.

Enthuse about Your Mission: For Board members to serve enthusiastically, they must be inspired by the unique mission of your organization. To help motivate them, frequently communicate successes, using testimonials from clients, donors or volunteers.

Express Appreciation: Engaged, committed Board members are essential to your organization; they should be reminded that they are appreciated and valued members of your team. A personal card on special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries and a personal note or visit at a time of loss are just two ways to show Board members how important they are.

Another smart idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"We prepare Board members to cultivate and solicit prospective Board members. Each current member spends an hour with the Executive Director learning about our programs and services. We also help them acquire proper terminology and key messages. Through the variety of contacts from Board and community members we construct our prospective member list, then our development committee aligns the prospects with the diversity we seek. The Board approves the list. Through personal contact, tours of our facility, meetings with the Executive Director, printed materials and follow-up, we have been able to secure many new Board members." - Peggy Marie Smith, Community Children's Project (Jackson Hole, Wyo.)

If you're interested in Best Practices, check out these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link: http://www.asrpublishing.com
• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union
• "Another Two Dozen Best Practices and Great Ideas^SM," a special edition which features suggestions from 24 Hartsook Companies consultants
• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas

For a free copy of any or all of the "Best Practices" collections, please email Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.