Board Life Matters is a national sounding board designed to inspire and engage the next generation in nonprofit board service.
David Sternberg
So, you’re a member of Generation X or Y, and considering nonprofit board service?
While the Boomers want you to think this is all about stuffy boardrooms and business attire, it is really more like the adults table at Thanksgiving. Remember that? It was actually the kids table where all the really cool things got discussed! (more…)
David Sternberg
It seems I always hear the same response from board members when I ask why they’re reluctant to ask for a contribution: they are unsure of what to say. They seem to believe there is a magic set of words that all board members should know. If anyone out there knows those words: share them with me, please!
….I didn’t think so.
But never fear. (more…)
David Sternberg
Nearly every board member I have encountered wants to be part of an organization that can effectively accomplish its mission—and has plenty of money to do so. They want to serve on the board, but they emphatically do not want to be fundraisers.
Hmmm…what is it about fundraising that strikes terror into the hearts of even the savviest board members? I have found that it can often be a matter of perspective: they believe in the mission; they just need to learn that storytelling about that mission can be the most powerful kind of fundraising. (more…)
Dave Sternberg
You’ve been asked to fundraise. Now what?
There are three common reactions board members have to this request: 1) sure, just give me the names, 2) I am not completely comfortable and need some training, and 3) never.
In all three cases there is a response that can create a good fundraising team. (more…)
