Grant writing can feel like whipping up a gourmet dish without a recipe—you’re throwing in all the right ingredients but still wondering if it’ll turn out. Here’s the secret ingredient many nonprofits overlook: your board. With their networks, influence, and resources, your board members aren’t just bystanders—they’re the secret sauce that can take your grant-writing strategy from bland to bold. Let’s dive in and explore how your board can add that extra flavor funders can’t resist.
1. Relationships: The Currency of the Nonprofit World
Here’s the deal: Funders don’t just fund projects—they fund relationships. Foundations want to know they’re partnering with organizations they can trust. Who better to build those bridges than your board members? These folks should have the Rolodex (or LinkedIn connections) that can open doors.
Research from Stanford Social Innovation Review shows that nonprofits with active, engaged boards are more likely to secure grants than those without. Why? Because funders see engaged boards as a signal of stability and commitment.
Th Board Pro Tip: Encourage your board members to make introductions to their networks. Better yet, coach them on how to talk about your nonprofit in a way that tugs at heartstrings and opens checkbooks.
2. Leveraging Resources: Show Me the Money (and Skills)
It’s not just about who they know; it’s also about what they bring to the table. Your board members have expertise in areas like finance, marketing, and strategy. They’re your secret weapons.
Take fundraising, for instance. Did you know that 70% of funders consider board giving when evaluating grant proposals? If your board members aren’t giving, it sends a message to funders that maybe your mission isn’t worth the investment. Not cool!
The Pro Tip: Get your board to commit to a “give or get” policy. Whether they’re writing checks (even if the amount is not munificent, 100% giving matters) or securing donations, their contributions show funders that leadership has skin in the game.
3. Following Up: When “No” Means “Not Yet”
Let’s face it: Rejection is part of the grant-writing game. But here’s the silver lining: “No” often means “not yet.” This is where your board can shine. A personalized follow-up from a board member—“Thank you for your feedback; we’d love to stay in touch”—can make all the difference.
According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, nonprofits that maintain year-round communication with funders are more likely to secure grants in the future. Translation: Don’t ghost your funders.
The Pro Tip: Assign board members to follow up after every grant application, whether accepted or declined. Their persistence and gratitude will not go unnoticed.
4. DEI: Diversity Isn’t Just a Buzzword
Here’s something funders care about more than ever: diversity, equity, and inclusion. Foundations want to see that your board reflects the communities you serve. If your boardroom looks like a scene from Mad Men, it might be time for a makeover.
Research shows that diverse boards bring diverse perspectives, which lead to better decision-making and stronger community connections. Plus, funders are increasingly using DEI as a criterion when deciding where to invest.
The Pro Tip: Make DEI a board recruitment priority. Reach out to affinity groups and use inclusive language in your board member job descriptions.
5. Transparency: Show Them Who You Are
Funders want transparency. They’ll Google your nonprofit faster than you can say “grant proposal.” What will they find? A website with outdated staff bios and last year’s 990 form and no annual report? Or a dynamic, up-to-date page showcasing your team’s passion and expertise?
The Board Pro Tip: Keep your 990 current, highlight your board members on your website, and share success stories regularly. A little polish goes a long way in building trust.
6. Beyond Grants: The Whole Fundraising Ecosystem
Here’s the kicker: Grants are just one piece of the fundraising pie. Advocacy, ambassadorship, donor cultivation, and brand awareness also matter. Your board members should be doing all of this and more.
The Board Pro Tip: Turn your board into brand ambassadors. Equip them with an elevator pitch, compelling stories and videos and encourage them to share your mission at every opportunity—from the gym to cocktail parties, to quick trips to the grocery store, or at community events.
7. Leadership Matters: The CEO-Board Chair Duo
Finally, let’s talk about the dynamic duo: the CEO and board chair. Their relationship sets the tone for the entire organization. Funders notice when this partnership is strong—and when it’s not.
The Pro Tip: Regular check-ins, clear role definitions, and mutual respect go a long way in keeping this relationship healthy and productive.
In Conclusion: A Recipe for Success
Grant writing isn’t just about crafting compelling proposals; it’s about showing funders that your organization is solid from the inside out. Your board plays a starring role in that narrative. From building relationships to demonstrating commitment, their involvement can make all the difference.
So, rally your board. Give them the tools, training, and encouragement they need to step up. And when you land that next big grant, don’t forget to celebrate their contribution. After all, your board isn’t just a supporting cast—they’re the secret sauce that makes your nonprofit’s mission irresistible.
Christal M. Cherry, Principal and CEO of The Board Pro, is jazzed about board training and development. She works with nonprofits to build effective boards. With an electrifying style and charisma her methods are grounded in equity, inclusion and power sharing. Learn more at www.theboardpro.com.
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