Building Board Support for 35 Hours of Giving

Your board can help 35 Hours of Giving reach more people, raise more support for your organization's endowment, and strengthen connections with your community.

Jump to What You Need

Start With a Board Kickoff

Set aside 20-30 minutes at a board meeting to introduce 35 Hours of Giving and talk about how your board can help. Getting your board involved early makes it easier to build momentum and gives everyone a chance to find a role that fits.

Use your kickoff to cover:

  • What is 35 Hours of Giving? Give a quick overview of the event, when it happens, who hosts it, and the communities it serves.
  • Why is your organization participating? Remind your board that gifts raised through 35 Hours of Giving support your organization's endowment and can provide long-term support for your mission.
  • What have you learned from past campaigns? If you have participated before, look at past results, donor engagement, matches, and what you would like to do differently this time.
  • What are your goals? Talk about your fundraising, donor, and community engagement goals before jumping into tactics.
  • How can board members help? Give people specific options instead of simply asking them to "spread the word."

Tip: End your kickoff by asking each board member to choose at least one way they can help.

Set Goals and Assign Roles

Your board does not need to do everything. The goal is to match people with the skills, relationships, and interests they already have.

Before or during your kickoff, talk through questions like:

  • How much would we like to raise for our endowment?
  • How many donors would we like to reach?
  • How many new supporters would we like to introduce to our organization?
  • What businesses, community groups, or individuals could help us through a match or challenge?
  • What stories, people, or impact should we be sharing?
  • What do we need our board to help with before, during, and after 35 Hours?

Sample Board Roles

Consider assigning people to one or more of these areas:

Community Partnerships

  • Connect staff with local businesses or community partners.
  • Help identify potential matching gifts or challenge sponsors.
  • Share information about 35 Hours through community connections.

Promotion

  • Share 35 Hours information with personal and professional networks.
  • Like, comment on, and share your organization's posts.
  • Share your personal reason for supporting the organization.

Donor Outreach

  • Personally invite past and current supporters to participate.
  • Make thank-you calls or send personal notes.
  • Help reconnect with donors or supporters who may not see your regular communications.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

  • Create a personal fundraiser.
  • Share why you support the organization with your own network.
  • Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to give.

Remember: Board members are volunteers, and not every role will be a good fit for every person. Give people options and let them choose how they can contribute.

Give Board Members Clear Ways to Help

A general request to "help with 35 Hours" can feel overwhelming. Specific asks make it much easier for board members to get involved.

Before 35 Hours

  • Make a personal gift or make a commitment to give.
  • Create a Peer-to-Peer fundraiser.
  • Ask friends, family, and colleagues to support your organization.
  • Connect staff with potential sponsors, matching donors, or community partners.
  • Share your personal story about why the organization matters to you.
  • Follow your organization's social media accounts and share its 35 Hours posts.
  • Help identify past donors or community members who should receive a personal invitation.

During 35 Hours

  • Share your organization's giving page with your network.
  • Post your own message about why you support the organization.
  • Like and share your organization's updates.
  • Encourage friends and family to participate.
  • Help promote a matching gift or challenge.
  • Attend or help host an event, if your organization has one.
  • Celebrate progress and help keep the energy going.

After 35 Hours

  • Personally thank people who gave because of your outreach.
  • Help make thank-you calls or send personal notes.
  • Share the results and celebrate what your community accomplished.
  • Stay connected with new supporters and help build those relationships over time.

Help Board Members Tell Their Story

A board member's personal experience can be one of the most powerful ways to introduce someone new to your organization. You don't need a polished story. You just need a real reason you care.

My 35 Hours Story

How did I first connect with [ORGANIZATION NAME]?

[Write 1-2 sentences about how you first became involved.]

What made me want to stay involved?

[What have you seen, experienced, or learned that keeps you connected?]

What's one moment, person, or experience that has stuck with me?

[Share a specific example. This is often more meaningful than a general statement about your organization's mission.]

Why does this work matter to our community?

[Complete the thought: "I think this matters because..."]

Why am I supporting 35 Hours of Giving?

[Explain what excites you about building the organization's endowment and creating longer-term support for its mission.]

Turn Your Answers Into a Post or Email

Once you've answered the questions above, you already have most of what you need. Try putting the pieces together like this:

I'm proud to support [ORGANIZATION NAME] because [YOUR PERSONAL REASON].

I first got involved when [HOW YOU CONNECTED], and one thing that has stayed with me is [SPECIFIC MOMENT, PERSON, OR EXPERIENCE].

That's why I'm supporting [ORGANIZATION NAME] during 35 Hours of Giving on [DATE]. This year, gifts will help build the organization's endowment and create long-term support for [MISSION / PEOPLE SERVED].

If this work matters to you, too, I'd love for you to join me: [GIVING PAGE LINK]

Tip: You do not have to use every sentence. Pick the parts that feel most natural to you and make them your own.

Give Board Members Ready-to-Use Messages

The easiest way to get board members involved is to give them something they can make their own. These templates are starting points, not scripts. Encourage board members to add a personal story, name someone they are hoping will give, or explain what your organization means to them.

A Simple Formula for a Personal Ask

  1. Start with why you care: What brought you to this organization or keeps you involved?
  2. Connect it to 35 Hours: Why are you excited to support the organization through this campaign?
  3. Make a specific ask: Tell people what you would like them to do.
  4. Make it easy: Include the direct link to your organization's giving page.

Before sending: Replace everything in [brackets] and add at least one sentence that is specific to you. The more personal the message feels, the more likely people are to connect with it.

Template: Personal Invitation

Subject: I'd love for you to support [ORGANIZATION NAME] during 35 Hours

I wanted to share something that is important to me. I've been involved with [ORGANIZATION NAME] as [YOUR ROLE] for [NUMBER OF YEARS / AMOUNT OF TIME], and one of the things that keeps me connected is [SPECIFIC REASON, STORY, OR IMPACT YOU HAVE SEEN].

On [DATE], [ORGANIZATION NAME] is participating in 35 Hours of Giving, a community-wide giving event that brings people together to support local nonprofits. This year, I'm especially excited because gifts to [ORGANIZATION NAME] will help build our endowment, creating a source of long-term support for [WHO OR WHAT YOUR ORGANIZATION SERVES].

I'm asking a few people I care about to join me with a gift. Would you consider making a gift of [SUGGESTED AMOUNT OR "WHATEVER AMOUNT FEELS RIGHT TO YOU"]?

You can learn more about [ORGANIZATION NAME] and make a gift here:
[GIVING PAGE LINK]

Whether you are able to give or simply share this with someone who might be interested, I really appreciate you taking the time to support something that means a lot to me.

Thank you,
[YOUR NAME]

Template: Save the Date

Subject: Save the date: 35 Hours of Giving is coming!

I wanted to give you a heads-up about something I'm looking forward to this spring. On [DATE], I'll be supporting [ORGANIZATION NAME] during 35 Hours of Giving.

I'm involved with [ORGANIZATION NAME] because [ONE-SENTENCE PERSONAL REASON]. This year, the organization is using 35 Hours to build its endowment, which will help provide longer-term support for [MISSION / COMMUNITY / PEOPLE SERVED].

If you'd like to join me, mark your calendar for [DATE]. I'll share the giving link when the campaign begins.

And if you're curious about what [ORGANIZATION NAME] does, I'd be happy to tell you more. It's a cause I care about, and I'd love for you to learn more about it.

Thanks,
[YOUR NAME]

Template: Day-of Fundraising Ask

Subject: 35 Hours of Giving is happening today. Will you join me?

Today is 35 Hours of Giving, and I'm asking my friends, family, and colleagues to help me support [ORGANIZATION NAME].

I chose to support [ORGANIZATION NAME] because [PERSONAL STORY, SPECIFIC IMPACT, OR REASON YOU SERVE ON THE BOARD].

Our goal today is to raise [GOAL AMOUNT] to help build our endowment and create long-term support for [MISSION / PEOPLE SERVED].

If [ORGANIZATION NAME] is a cause you care about, would you consider making a gift today? Even a gift of [EXAMPLE AMOUNT] can help us move toward our goal.

[GIVING PAGE LINK]

If you've already given, thank you! Sharing this message with someone else is another great way to help.

Thank you for being part of my community,
[YOUR NAME]

Template: Personal Story + Fundraising Ask

Subject: Why I support [ORGANIZATION NAME]

I've been thinking about why I chose to get involved with [ORGANIZATION NAME], especially as 35 Hours of Giving approaches.

[TELL YOUR STORY IN 2-4 SENTENCES. How did you first connect with the organization? What have you seen? Who has stayed with you? Why does the work matter to you personally?]

That's why I'm proud to serve as [YOUR ROLE] and why I'm supporting [ORGANIZATION NAME] during 35 Hours of Giving on [DATE].

This year, gifts will help build our endowment, giving [ORGANIZATION NAME] another way to support [MISSION / PEOPLE SERVED] for years to come.

If this work matters to you, too, I'd be grateful if you'd consider making a gift here:
[GIVING PAGE LINK]

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting the things that matter to our community.

[YOUR NAME]

Template: Final Hours

Subject: A few hours left to support [ORGANIZATION NAME]

We're in the final [NUMBER] hours of 35 Hours of Giving, and I wanted to make one last ask on behalf of [ORGANIZATION NAME].

So far, our community has helped us raise [AMOUNT] toward our goal of [GOAL]. We're [ONE-SENTENCE UPDATE: "closer than we expected," "almost halfway there," "within reach of our goal," etc.].

If you have been meaning to give, now is the time. Your gift will help [ORGANIZATION NAME] build its endowment and create long-term support for [MISSION / PEOPLE SERVED].

Give here before 35 Hours ends at [END TIME]:
[GIVING PAGE LINK]

And if you've already given, thank you. It means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to the people who make [ORGANIZATION NAME]'s work possible.

[YOUR NAME]

Template: Thank You After 35 Hours

Subject: Thank you for supporting [ORGANIZATION NAME]

I wanted to personally thank you for supporting [ORGANIZATION NAME] during 35 Hours of Giving.

Together, our community raised [AMOUNT] from [NUMBER OF DONORS] donors. Those gifts will help build our endowment and support [MISSION / PEOPLE SERVED] over the long term.

I'm especially grateful because [PERSONAL NOTE ABOUT WHY THEIR SUPPORT MATTERS, SOMETHING YOU KNOW ABOUT THE PERSON, OR A SHORT REFLECTION ON THE CAMPAIGN].

Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting work that matters to [WHO YOUR ORGANIZATION SERVES].

[YOUR NAME]

Make It Sound Like You

The best board outreach doesn't sound like a fundraising template. Before sending, read your message out loud and change anything you wouldn't normally say.

Try adding one specific detail: a person you've met through the organization, a moment that stayed with you, something you've learned as a board member, or a reason you believe the work will matter five or ten years from now.

Make Social Sharing Easy

Your board members don't need to become social media experts. The most helpful thing they can do is share why they personally support your organization and make it easy for their own networks to get involved.

Copy-and-Paste Social Posts

Post 1: Why I Serve

I'm proud to serve on the board of [ORGANIZATION NAME] because [PERSONAL REASON].

I've seen firsthand [SPECIFIC EXAMPLE OF IMPACT, PERSON, PROGRAM, OR COMMUNITY NEED], and it's one of the reasons this organization means so much to me.

I'll be supporting [ORGANIZATION NAME] during 35 Hours of Giving on [DATE]. This year, gifts will help build our endowment and create long-term support for [MISSION / PEOPLE SERVED].

If you'd like to join me, you can learn more and give here: [GIVING PAGE LINK]

#35HoursofGiving

Post 2: Save the Date

Mark your calendar! I'll be supporting [ORGANIZATION NAME] during 35 Hours of Giving on [DATE].

I'm involved with [ORGANIZATION NAME] because [PERSONAL REASON], and I'm excited to help build long-term support for this work through our endowment.

I'll share more on [DATE], but for now, save the date and follow [ORGANIZATION SOCIAL HANDLE] to see what we're up to!

#35HoursofGiving

Post 3: Day-of

It's 35 Hours of Giving! I'm supporting [ORGANIZATION NAME] today because [PERSONAL REASON OR SHORT STORY].

Our goal is [GOAL] to help build our endowment and provide long-term support for [MISSION / PEOPLE SERVED].

Would you join me with a gift? [GIVING PAGE LINK]

If you've already given, thank you. Sharing this post is another great way to help us reach someone new!

#35HoursofGiving

Post 4: Progress Update

We're making great progress! [ORGANIZATION NAME] has raised [AMOUNT] so far during 35 Hours of Giving, thanks to [NUMBER] generous donors.

Our goal is [GOAL], and we still have [TIME] to go.

I'm proud to be part of this organization because [PERSONAL REASON]. If you'd like to help us keep going, you can give here: [GIVING PAGE LINK]

#35HoursofGiving

Post 5: Final Push

We are in the final [NUMBER] hours of 35 Hours of Giving, and [ORGANIZATION NAME] is [CLOSE TO / WORKING TOWARD] our goal of [GOAL].

If you've been thinking about supporting [ORGANIZATION NAME], this is your chance. Your gift will help [SHORT IMPACT STATEMENT].

Give here before 35 Hours ends: [GIVING PAGE LINK]

Thank you to everyone who has already supported us and helped spread the word!

#35HoursofGiving

A Few Tips for Better Board Posts

  • Use your own voice. If you wouldn't say it in a conversation, rewrite it.
  • Add a specific story, person, program, or reason you care.
  • Use a photo when you have one that helps tell the story.
  • Tag your organization so people can easily find it.
  • Include the direct giving link whenever you're asking people to give.
  • Share your organization's posts, but don't be afraid to write your own.
  • Use #35HoursofGiving when it makes sense.

Keep Your Board Engaged

Your kickoff should be the beginning of the conversation, not the only time your board hears about 35 Hours. A few timely updates can keep the campaign on their radar without adding another major commitment.

A Simple Communication Rhythm

  • After the kickoff: Send a quick recap with your goals and the ways board members can help.
  • As you prepare: Share important updates, new resources, match or challenge news, and specific asks.
  • 1-2 weeks before: Remind board members of the date, their role, and the resources available to them.
  • A few days before: Give them the links and materials they need to share.
  • During 35 Hours: Keep them updated on progress and give them easy ways to help.
  • After 35 Hours: Share the results and thank them for their role in making the campaign successful.

You can include 35 Hours updates in your regular board communications rather than creating a separate newsletter if that is easier for your organization.

During 35 Hours of Giving

Keep your board in the loop throughout the 35-hour campaign. They don't need every detail, but they should know how the organization is doing and when another push would be helpful.

Keep It Simple

  • Share your current fundraising or donor progress.
  • Celebrate milestones.
  • Let board members know about any matching gifts or challenges they can promote.
  • Give them specific messages or links to share.
  • Encourage them to respond to and share your organization's social media posts.
  • Remind them when there is still time to give.

One Easy Day-of Ask

We're off to a great start! We've raised [AMOUNT] so far toward our [GOAL] goal. If you haven't shared our 35 Hours of Giving page yet, now is a great time. A quick post or personal message can help us reach someone new: [GIVING PAGE LINK]

After 35 Hours: Thank and Steward

The campaign may be over, but your board's role doesn't have to be. This is a good opportunity to thank supporters, celebrate your results, and begin building relationships with new donors.

Thank Your Donors

  • Send a timely organization-wide thank-you.
  • Ask board members to personally thank people they invited or encouraged to give.
  • Share your results and celebrate what your community accomplished together.

Keep New Donors Connected

Some people who give through 35 Hours may be new to your organization. Look for natural opportunities to introduce them to your work, invite them to learn more, and show them the impact of their support.

Thank Your Board, Too

Recognize the people who helped make the campaign happen. Celebrate their outreach, fundraising, connections, and willingness to tell your organization's story.

More Resources and Training

Use these resources when you need a deeper dive or want something you can share directly with your board members.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Help board members create their own fundraisers and reach their personal networks.

View Guide

35 Hours Downloadable Graphics

Find graphics your board members can use when sharing 35 Hours.

View Graphics

Engaging Your Board

Watch the on-demand training for more ideas on engaging your board.

Watch Recording

The Power of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Learn how personal fundraising can help expand your reach.

Watch Recording

Matching Challenges

Learn how matching gifts and challenges can help motivate donors.

Watch Recording

Ready to Get Your Board Involved?

Start with a 20-30 minute kickoff, set a few clear goals, and give each board member an easy way to help. They don't have to do everything. A few engaged board members can help your organization reach new people, strengthen relationships, and build long-term support through 35 Hours of Giving.