Guide to Building Board Support

Engaged board members can elevate your 35 Hours of Giving results and strengthen your nonprofit's overall impact! Organizations with actively involved boards raise 2-3 times more during campaigns like this, and it enhances board members’ connection to your mission. Here’s how to get your board energized and invested in making this event a success!

Ten Steps to Board Success:

Host a 35 Hours of Giving Kickoff at Your Next Board Meeting
- Present the campaign overview, goals, and why this matters for the organization’s long-term sustainability. Encourage questions and suggestions to make board members feel included from the start.
Involve Your Board in Goal-Setting
- Include board members in setting achievable campaign goals for fundraising and donor engagement. Clearly outline their role in reaching these targets.
Provide Regular Updates During the Planning Process
- Send concise weekly or biweekly updates to keep the board in the loop on progress and encourage them to share the excitement with their networks.
Define Clear Roles and Actionable Steps
- Create a simple list of actions each board member can take (e.g., sharing a post on social media, reaching out to contacts, attending an event). Specific tasks make it easier for board members to commit.
Leverage Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
- Encourage board members to become Peer-to-Peer Fundraisers. Set up brief training if needed and provide a few templates to make it easy for them to reach out to their network.
Keep the Board Informed During 35 Hours of Giving
- During the campaign, share live updates on progress via group text, email, or even a dedicated Slack channel. This builds excitement and keeps everyone motivated.
Encourage Board-Led Matching Challenges or Social Sharing
- If possible, ask board members to help secure matching funds from their network or participate in a board-sponsored match. Provide them with pre-drafted social media posts to share and amplify your reach.
Invite Board Members to Attend In-Person Events
- An in-person event during 35 Hours of Giving, even a small gathering, offers board members a chance to engage face-to-face with supporters and share why they are personally invested in your organization.
Involve the Board in Thanking Donors
- After the campaign, ask board members to make personalized thank-you calls or write notes to key donors. Their gratitude goes a long way in donor stewardship and makes donors feel valued.
Celebrate Board Efforts Post-Campaign
- After 35 Hours of Giving, hold a board celebration or dedicate a segment of the next board meeting to recognize their impact and share results. This not only shows appreciation but motivates them for future involvement

By actively engaging your board, you’re not only strengthening this year’s campaign but also building a more resilient, connected, and passionate team for the future. Remember, your board members are some of your greatest advocates—empower them to amplify your mission!