Is Board Giving Outdated?
The Wisdom of WOC is a weekly advice column where the WOC Community can submit its questions about fundraising and philanthropy, and have them answered by our founder, Yolanda F. Johnson, and special guest editors from the WOC community.
From Our Mailbag
Q: Do you think a required Board financial donation is outdated? Are Give/Gets a better way to attract a wider variety of board members?
— Anonymous
A: Of late, there has been tremendous controversy about required financial donations from board members. I am aware of the dangers of traditional give and get policies. Respected thought leader Vu Le, founder of Nonprofit AF lays it out candidly in his article, Why We Need to Drop The Idea of 100% Board Giving with credible reasons he believes we should drop the idea of 100% board giving.
But now that we agree that diversity, inclusion, and equity is vital for nonprofit and board success, there are ways we can still sensitively ask board members to support us financially.
The truth of the matter is grant applications still have questions about 100% board giving as a criterion for supporting organizations. We cannot deny the fact that in our society – money makes it happen! Organizations without adequate funding, people, equipment, buildings, and other life-saving items will not survive. Many of them are led by people of color and or women of color who lack the critical support they need to help their constituents and communities. For them, having each and every board member commit and fulfill their financial pledge can be a determinant of the futures of their organizations. Cash assets from board gifts at the beginning of a fiscal year will allow small or fledgling organizations to operate with more ease. In some cases, they simply won’t survive!
In my work with my board clients, I suggest that they create or review their values and principals as a board. These can include mutual respect and trust, commitment to equity, inclusiveness, and an appreciation for diverse board resources and all donations. Included in their pledge agreements should be an opportunity to spread out financial donations over the course of the year. Other sources of support like in-kind donations, volunteering, and advocacy should also be outlined in the pledge agreement as equally valued gifts.
So, I do not think having a required board financial donation is outdated. It is time to modify how we frame this requirement. Each board should take stock of who is serving. Young professionals, students, single moms, or former clients may not be able to pay exorbitant dues. If we are truly to embrace diversity, inclusion, and equity we must consider exhibiting flexibility with the amounts we are asking. It is my opinion that all board members should give a financial donation that is meaningful and equally volunteer their time and talent to help organizations to fulfill missions. It all matters!
This Week’s Expert
Christal M. Cherry, The Board Pro and WOC Radiant Steering Committee Member
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