Leaning Into Gratitude and Giving: The Power of Board Leadership
Much like the neighborhoods we serve, our work is fueled by the collective effort of people bringing their time, talent, and care toward a shared purpose. This month, we’re shining a light on a group whose impact is often behind the scenes but vital to every organization’s success: board members.
Board members carry missions forward through advocacy, strategy, and connection. Their perspectives strengthen decision-making, their networks expand reach, and their partnership with executive leaders brings stability through times of transition or growth. In short, a well-functioning board is critical to nonprofit success.
Assessing and Strengthening Your Board’s Fundraising Culture
One accessible way to deepen board readiness is by using a tool offered by BoardSource — the Board Fundraising Culture Assessment — a reflective worksheet that examines fundraising culture and highlights where additional support may be needed. Questions such as “Are board members aware of their fundraising responsibilities?” and “Do most board members make a personal stretch gift each year?” offer a clear snapshot of strengths and opportunities.
This assessment is not about evaluating individuals — it’s about understanding your board’s collective tendencies and pinpointing specific levers that can strengthen engagement.
(Assessment from BoardSource’s Fundraising Handouts and Activities, publicly available here).
How CVNC Can Support You
If your organization completes the assessment and identifies areas where growth is needed, you are not alone. This is a common pain point for nonprofits, and CVNC is here to help. We can work with your board to develop realistic fundraising pathways, clarify expectations, and build confidence. If you are interested in learning more about how CVNC can support your board, please reach out to info@chivnc.org. Please also stay tuned for future blog posts that will share additional board development resources.
