Philanthropy works best when it is viewed as a priority for everyone involved with an organization, particularly board members.
However, board members often report they don’t understand their role as a fundraiser or are reluctant (or resistant!) to actively fundraise on behalf of the organization.
In fact, national studies of nonprofit organizations suggest that more than half of all board chairs and executive directors identify philanthropy as one of the most important areas for board improvement! The good news is everyone has a role to play – and no arm twisting is required!
This workshop offered by The Learning Center of the Community Foundation is for executive directors, CEOs, board members and development directors of Elkhart County nonprofits or those serving Elkhart County.
Participants in this session will:
- Understand board members’ fundraising roles and responsibilities in supporting the fundraising strategy and how to communicate these expectations during board member recruitment.
- Take part in a Values, Vision and Voice exercise to reflect on why you value your organization’s mission and how you can align these values with your strategic fundraising plan, as well as tips on how to conduct this exercise with your board.
- Learn how to personalize your own fundraising message.
About our speaker:
Emily Croak, vice president of Aly Sterling Philanthropy, is an experienced coach and facilitator with a passion for helping clients discern their strengths and weaknesses and connect their vision with clear and actionable strategies.
Her work at ASP has been focused on leading large-scale fundraising campaigns and first-of-their-kind engagements for one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers. At the same time, she has helped a variety of nonprofits develop annual fund programs and major gift strategies that strengthen relationships with stakeholders and raise more money.
Emily is a regular presenter of fundraising and board governance workshops and has facilitated salon dinners – events that bring industry leaders together for directed conversation about social impact topics – around the nation.
Before coming to ASP, Emily worked for a national leader in skilled nursing services. There, while managing employee engagement and leadership programs, she developed an understanding of the psychological side of business – how to marry employees’ interests with best practices and leadership skills to further an organization’s mission.
Today her clients have the benefit of this perspective, and she relishes the opportunity to help them become the better versions of themselves.
Emily is a graduate of the University of Toledo and serves on the board of the Ballet Theatre of Toledo.