Boards, Individual Giving Starts with You!

Can we talk numbers—and power? Individual donors gave a record $392 billion in 2024. That’s two-thirds of all U.S. charitable giving. And yet, so many nonprofit boards are still laser-focused on grants, galas, and government contracts—leaving individual giving as an afterthought.

We’re flipping that script.

When board members understand their role in building a culture of generosity, they unlock relational giving, deepen community trust, and fuel excitement and impact. And with the right tools and mindset, they can move from sideline supporters to front and center fundraisers.

Check this out!

Set the Tone: Every Gift Counts

Giving isn’t about dollar signs—it’s about belief.

Board members can model this by being the first to give each year and celebrating all gifts, big and small. This isn’t about being a martyr—it’s a chance to lead with your values. —it's culture building. A recent study shows that “Give Only” boards (as opposed to “Give or Get”) raised 17% to 189% more in some cases. Why? Because clear expectations, without guilt, create real momentum.

Let’s normalize impact over ego.

Speak Up: Be an Ambassador

In 2023, individuals made up 67% of all giving. That’s not a typo. And board members are the most credible voices in a nonprofit—yet many aren’t sharing the mission outside the boardroom.

Change that.

Arm your board with stories, values, and social posts. Have them invite friends to events. Encourage them to talk about your work on LinkedIn. Authentic, peer-to-peer storytelling beats a cold appeal every time. And let’s not forget: when donors see board members who look like them, it builds trust. That’s equity at its best.

Leverage Relationships—Without the Guilt Trip

Your board is connected. Instead of begging for names, help them map their networks and invite people into relationship—not just donation. Organizations where the Board Chair and VP of Development were aligned raised up to $7.1 million in board gifts. Compare that to $1.5 million when they weren’t.

Yup, teamwork matters.

Board fundraising isn’t “ask or else.” It’s invite, engage, and connect—with values at the center.

Equip the Board: Don't Just Expect, Prepare

Saying “boards should fundraise” without providing tools is like giving someone a bike with no wheels.

Board fundraising training leads to real results. Orientation, role plays, one-on-one coaching, and equity-informed strategies build confidence and clarity. Also? Boards that include development staff in recruitment raise 5x more.

Support creates success. Full stop.

Build a Rhythm: Not Just a Year-End Push

Set quarterly touchpoints. Use board meetings to spotlight giving stories. Celebrate peer wins.

Make giving a habit—not a holiday.

In many orgs, only 73% of board members give annually. That’s a fixable gap. With simple systems and a joyful tone, you can get to 100%—and beyond.

Finally: Fundraising Is Leadership

Boards that embrace individual giving aren’t just helping raise money—they’re modeling vision, equity, and commitment. And it shows: research confirms a positive link between board giving and overall donations.

When the board gives, others follow.

At The Board Pro, I help boards move from stuck to strategic, from hesitant to high-impact. Whether you need training, coaching, or a cultural reset—we’re here to help you build a board that believes in the mission enough to invest in it.

Let’s turn generosity into a rhythm and fundraising into a shared joy.

www.theboardpro.com