Forum - October 2010

Foundation boards should know their role is to raise funds, but that should not mean they are precluded from using the strengths of their parent association. Again, the strategy is to leverage the full resources of your leadership, not to directly or indirectly limit your association’s success.

5. Fundraising won’t be necessary when the economy recovers: During reces-sionary times, associations work harder and smarter to fulfill their missions and deliver value. As a result, many stand to regain greater financial stability as the economy recovers. While this may offer peace of mind, it also may create a missed opportunity.

As we look toward an economic recovery, is your association posi- tioned to take advantage of the upward momentum when it arrives? Your board members are industry leaders and should be able to offer their respective marketplace intelligence, or access to resources, that can help you better understand the opportunities that lie ahead. With this type of valuable information, you can connect the dots to develop new and potentially ongoing revenue streams.

In conclusion, creating a culture that involves your board leadership in the fundraising process not only can lead to immediate and measurable returns, but also can set the stage for a positive and rewarding financial future that impacts all of your stakeholders.

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