An Open Letter to Our Director of Development
February 9, 2010 at 9:55 am Barbara Talisman, CFRE 2 comments
Dear Director of Development,
We were really excited when we hired you. Mostly because we knew you would do all the fundraising. We thought having a full-time fundraiser on staff would mean we would instantly raise more money. We expected, with your skills, our fundraising events and letters would be more successful than before.
Since you came on staff, you have come to our Board meetings asking us to help you with fundraising around the annual appeal and event. We never talked about fundraising at the Board meetings until you arrived.
When we joined the Board, no one told us we would have to raise money. We didn’t have an orientation, so we really don’t know what our responsibilities are as Board members. Many of us were asked to serve because we knew someone on the Board. Of course, we believe in the organization mission, but we have no idea how the place works. We are glad to see you at our meetings, but, frankly, have not met other agency staff. We read about the organization in the newsletter, annual report and view videos at the annual event (when we can attend) but haven’t seen the program “in-action” so to speak.
When you ask us for help, we don’t know what to do or how to help. You give us deadlines but don’t follow up. We have been asked to make a gift during Board meetings, but no one followed up. We were supposed to give you a list of people to invite to the event, but when you didn’t follow up and we received the invitation to the event, we figured we didn’t need to worry about it anymore.
So, we guess we are glad you are here, but if we hired you, why do we need to help with fundraising?
Sincerely,
Your Board of Directors
Entry filed under: Board Development, Engaging Volunteers, Fundraising, Letters. Tags: Board orientation, Board responsibilities, Director of Development, hiring a Director of Development.
1.
Mary Cahalane | August 6, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Definitely points out the importance of a good governance process!
And then, a good *working* relationship between the board and development staff. Board shouldn’t be held at arms length!
2.
Barbara Talisman, CFRE | August 6, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Mary
You are so right! Unfortunately, we see so many “partnerships” that are we v them. Or “The Board should know….” I am a fan of treating our Board members as our very best major donors….I think sometimes because Board members are with us all the time or closer to the action than a major donor, they get taken for granted or assumptions are made.
Thanks for reading and leaving your comment!
Barbara