How the Board Can Strengthen Communications and Development
A strong and engaged board is essential for the success of any nonprofit or mission-driven organization. Board members play a key role in advancing communications and development efforts, ensuring the organization reaches the right audiences, builds relationships with funders, and secures the resources needed for growth. However, many boards fail to prioritize communications—or worse, assume the Executive Director alone will handle branding, PR, and fundraising messaging on top of their other responsibilities.
That’s a mistake.
Communications is one of the three essential pillars every nonprofit needs: Vision, Funding, and Communications.Without a clear, strategic messaging framework, even the most well-run nonprofits struggle to gain traction with funders and donors. Board involvement in communications and development isn’t optional. It’s a necessity.
How Board Members Can Strengthen Communications and Development
1. Act as Brand Ambassadors
Board members serve as trusted representatives of the organization. Their networks, credibility, and influence expand awareness and enhance the organization’s reputation. A consistent and unified message is critical to gaining the confidence of funders, stakeholders, and the public.
Actionable Tip: Provide board members with a clear messaging guide. Equip them with talking points, impact statistics, and success stories so they can advocate effectively in their networks.
2. Build and Strengthen Relationships with Funders
Fundraising is more effective when board members actively engage with funders and potential donors. Personalized outreach from a board member can increase trust and encourage investment in the organization’s work.
Actionable Tip: Encourage board members to participate in donor stewardship by making introductions, attending fundraising events, and personally thanking funders. A direct email or phone call from a board member can reinforce donor commitment.
3. Leverage Their Networks for Development Opportunities
Board members have connections with business leaders, philanthropists, and community influencers who can support the organization’s mission. These connections lead to new funding sources, partnerships, and sponsorship opportunities.
Actionable Tip: Give board members a structured outreach plan. Provide a list of potential funders or sponsors they can connect with and equip them with outreach materials.
4. Enhance Visibility Through Thought Leadership
A board comprised of industry leaders, subject matter experts, and well-connected professionals can help position the organization as a trusted authority. Sharing expertise through public speaking, media interviews, and written content builds credibility and attracts support.
Actionable Tip: Encourage board members to contribute op-eds, participate in panels, and share organizational updates on LinkedIn. Their thought leadership elevates the organization’s profile.
5. Support Digital and Social Media Efforts
Social media is a powerful tool for outreach and engagement. Board members can amplify the organization’s message by sharing posts, engaging with content, and promoting fundraising campaigns.
Actionable Tip: Provide board members with pre-written social media posts, graphics, and campaign updates to make content sharing easy. Encourage them to tag their networks to expand reach.
6. Participate in Fundraising and Development Strategy
Board members should be actively involved in setting the organization’s fundraising goals and strategy. Their insights, experience, and expertise can help guide development teams in crafting compelling grant proposals and donor campaigns.
Actionable Tip: Schedule board meetings to review fundraising strategy and progress. Encourage board members to offer insights and participate in goal-setting for shared accountability.
7. Provide Financial Support and Lead by Example
While not all board members may be able to make large personal contributions, every board should have a culture of giving. Board giving demonstrates commitment and encourages others to donate.
Actionable Tip: Establish a board giving policy that encourages all members to contribute at a meaningful level. Consider a "give or get" model, where board members donate directly or secure funding through their networks.
8. Offer Strategic Feedback on Communications and Fundraising Efforts
Board members bring diverse perspectives and expertise. Their feedback can help refine messaging, improve donor engagement strategies, and strengthen overall communications.
Actionable Tip: Regularly review board input on communications materials, fundraising appeals, and donor engagement strategies. Use their insights to refine messaging while keeping it aligned with the organization’s mission.
Why Boards Must Support a Fractional Communications Strategy
Many nonprofits assume their Executive Director or a small internal team can handle all aspects of communications, PR, and development messaging. The reality is that strong communications require specialized expertise—and expecting leadership to juggle it all leads to missed opportunities and donor fatigue.
Hiring a fractional communications team ensures:
Consistent, high-quality messaging that attracts funders.
Professional media and PR outreach that builds credibility.
Grant and donor communications aligned with fundraising strategy.
A clear positioning strategy that differentiates the organization.
How DevCom1 Can Help
DevCom1 provides expert development and communications strategy to ensure boards are effectively engaged in fundraising, stakeholder outreach, and brand positioning. By equipping board members with the right tools, messaging, and strategies, organizations can maximize board engagement and drive greater impact.
Looking to strengthen your board’s role in communications and development? Contact DevCom1 today to create a board engagement strategy that amplifies your mission and increases support.
