VIDEO: The Role of Nonprofit Boards in Fundraising

Grants Plus and Business Volunteers Unlimited discuss the role of nonprofit boards in fundraising.

Fundraising to support missions and communities is a daily reality for all nonprofit organizations and should be a shared responsibility. However, the thought of asking for money can often feel daunting or uncomfortable, especially for board members who might feel overburdened or lack experience in this area. Board members can significantly contribute to their nonprofits’ fundraising success without directly asking for a single dollar.
 

Featuring:
Matt Carter, Senior Advisor, Grants Plus
Julie Clark, VP Nonprofit Engagement, Business Volunteers Unlimited
Elizabeth Voudouris, President and CEO, Business Volunteers Unlimited
 

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Business Volunteers Unlimited, or BVU, is a nonprofit organization created by business leaders more than 30 years ago. Our mission is to connect people from the business community to the nonprofit sector.

We connect individuals as:

  • Board members by matching them with organizations that align with their skills and interests.

  • Skilled or pro bono volunteers who can share their expertise.

  • Direct service volunteers who give time and energy where it’s most needed.

This provides nonprofits with access to a wealth of talent.

BVU also provides education and consulting. We host seminars focused on nonprofit governance and management, and we work directly with boards to strengthen their structure, practices, and understanding of their role.

A strong board of directors is essential to every nonprofit’s success. Boards are responsible for ensuring there are sufficient resources to support mission delivery. Fundraising is critical—yet many board members are hesitant about it. The good news: you can be an excellent fundraiser without ever asking directly for money. Making introductions, building connections, and opening doors for grant opportunities are often the most effective contributions.

To do this well, board members need to understand an organization’s funding mix—government grants, foundations, individual giving, and fee-for-service revenue. With this knowledge, they can see where their support is most impactful.

Today’s funding environment is competitive. Ohio alone has more than 100,000 nonprofit organizations. Securing attention from funders is challenging, and board members can play a powerful role in helping organizations stand out.

New board members often lack fundraising experience, and that’s okay. What matters most is passion for the mission. With the right tools and guidance, they can become strong advocates. That’s where BVU and partners like Grants Plus come in.

Grants Plus helps organizations open doors to new funding and develop clear strategies for success. Over the past 17 years, they’ve helped raise about $350 million for nonprofits. Together, BVU and Grants Plus strengthen nonprofits inside and out—BVU through governance and strategic planning, and Grants Plus through funding expertise.

By working in partnership, we help organizations achieve their missions, strengthen our communities, and make the world a better place.