How to … Leverage Your Board When Seeking Funding

Last month the Nonprofit Center at La Salle University brought together a handful of funders for a panel discussion of tips and trends. Representatives of dozens of nonprofits packed a meeting room in the basement of PECO Energy’s Center City Philadelphia headquarters to listen in, and the Center was kind enough to grant me a spot to cover the chat. (See previous reports here and here.) Among the topics the speakers addressed was what their foundations like to see in a nonprofit’s board when they’re evaluating proposals:

• Diversity.
• Some recognizable names, including legislators. This conveys that the nonprofit is pursuing multiple funding streams.
• Members whose work reflects the nonprofit’s mission.
• Sufficiently few members to be nimble and effective. The perception that board members are participating simply to pad their resumes is a bad one.
• Proper turnover. This shows that board development and strategic planning are ongoing.
• Composition that serves a purpose and is not simply a random collection of people.
• Commitment to holding the nonprofit accountable.
• Fundraising capacity. “It has to do with the long-term health and sustainability of the organization,” said Bruce Melgary, executive director of the Lenfest Family Foundations. “A board that has the capacity to raise money is a critical component.”

“How to …” appears Mondays at the 501(c) Files. | 501(c)