Why Your Non-Profit Needs a Board of Donors
When it comes to fundraising and donor engagement, non-profits often focus on soliciting gifts and stewarding their board members. But what if you could create a dedicated space for your most engaged donors that fosters deeper relationships, builds community, and provides valuable input for your organization’s future?
That’s where a Board of Donors comes in.
A Board of Donors is a group of high-level supporters who aren’t board members, volunteers, or staff but significant donors who give at a certain level—such as $1,000+ annually. This group meets regularly to stay connected with your mission, provide feedback, and help grow your impact meaningfully without committing to any responsibilities.
If your non-profit wants to retain major donors, deepen donor engagement, and inspire sustained giving, then a Board of Donors is the next step in your development strategy.
What is a Board of Donors?
Unlike your traditional Board of Directors, a Board of Donors isn’t tasked with governance or operational decisions. Instead, it’s a select group of dedicated supporters who meet regularly (monthly or quarterly) to:
Connect and deepen their relationship with your organization
Receive updates on the impact of their donations
Engage with leadership and provide valuable insights
Invite their network to get involved
Participate in discussions, polls, and decision-making (non-binding, but valuable input)
Think of it as a community of champions—people who are already invested in your mission and want to see it succeed. By creating a structured way for them to stay engaged, you reinforce their commitment, increase retention, and inspire additional giving.
How to Run a Board of Donors Meeting
A well-structured Board of Donors meeting should be engaging, interactive, and celebratory. Here’s a simple framework to follow:
1. Start with a Relationship-Building Exercise
Your donors support your mission, but do they know each other? Start each meeting with an icebreaker or relationship-building activity that helps them connect.
Example: Create a word cloud where donors share words that describe your organization. Over time, track how their perceptions evolve.
2. Celebrate Donor Impact
Your donors want to know that their gifts are making a difference. Dedicate time to highlighting their impact, whether through:
Stories of change from those directly affected by their contributions
Data-driven results showcasing key milestones achieved
Personalized shoutouts recognizing specific donor contributions
Make this moment about them, not about asking for more money.
3. Engage Donors in Organizational Activities
Once you’ve celebrated their impact, bring them into the conversation:
Share updates on upcoming events and initiatives
Ask for their feedback on new projects, branding, or campaign strategies
Encourage them to invite friends or spread awareness
Conduct live polls to gauge opinions on upcoming decisions (with clear expectations that final decisions rest with leadership)
4. Close with Gratitude and a Next Step
Thank donors for their time and insights, and provide a clear next step—whether it’s attending an upcoming event, sharing a campaign with their network, or joining a future discussion.
Why a Board of Donors Works
Strengthens Donor Retention
Regular engagement reinforces their commitment and keeps your mission top-of-mind.
Encourages Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Donors who feel part of a community naturally invite others to join.
Provides Valuable Insights
Hearing directly from donors helps shape more effective fundraising strategies.
Fosters a Culture of Philanthropy
Instead of just writing a check, donors feel actively involved in shaping the future of your work.
Take the First Step
Launching a Board of Donors is one of the best investments you can make in deepening donor engagement.
Start small—invite your most dedicated donors, create a consistent meeting schedule, and watch their loyalty, generosity, and enthusiasm grow.
If you’d like more non-profit marketing advice or development strategies, send me a message.
