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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nIn a recent episode of Nonprofit Expert<\/a> presented by DonorPerfect<\/a>, host Robbe Healey sat down with veteran fundraiser and consultant Andrea McManus<\/strong> to explore how assumptions, relationship-building, and respect play pivotal roles in elevating nonprofit board engagement. Their conversation offers a roadmap for development professionals, executive leaders, and board members alike who want to reframe what it truly means to be engaged.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Andrea McManus challenges one of the most common assumptions in nonprofit leadership: that the nonprofit board is a single entity. Instead, she suggests that development professionals should shift their perspectives and treat board members as individuals.<\/p>\n \u201cWe look at the board as a collective rather than individual board members,\u201d McManus notes. \u201cWe\u2019re really obligated to find the best working relationship with each one.\u201d<\/p>\n She encourages reframing fundraising as a process, one where relationship-building<\/a>, thank-you calls, donor stewardship, and door-opening are equally valuable.<\/p>\n This mindset shift does more than improve communication; it empowers nonprofit board members to contribute in ways that align with their strengths and comfort levels. Not everyone wants, or needs, to ask for money. <\/p>\n Instead, board members can be asked to:<\/p>\n This individualized approach allows board members to see themselves as capable and valued, regardless of whether or not they\u2019re comfortable with fundraising in the traditional sense. It also strengthens their personal connection to the mission, which is essential for long-term involvement and stewardship.<\/p>\n Have board members who are more comfortable behind the camera than in person? DP Video<\/a> makes it easy to send personalized, impactful video messages and thank-yous to your donors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Traditionally, fundraising has been framed as a governance responsibility. But McManus offers a more nuanced take:<\/p>\n \u201cBoards don\u2019t have a governance obligation to fundraise. They have a governance obligation to ensure the organization is worthy of philanthropic support.\u201d<\/p>\n This distinction is vital. It reframes the board\u2019s role from one of solicitation to one of stewardship and accountability. <\/p>\n Nonprofit boards should focus on ensuring that the organization is:<\/p>\n If the board fulfills these core responsibilities, fundraising becomes more natural and effective because donors trust that their contributions will be well stewarded. This also frees development professionals to tailor their approach to each board member, enabling more authentic and productive collaborations.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n If engagement is about more than just raising money, how can organizations set their board members up for success<\/a>?<\/p>\n McManus shares a compelling story from her work with Alberta Theatre Projects. During a season launch event, she gave board members a list of guests to simply greet and thank, without any pitches or pressure.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was the first time they\u2019d been given something concrete to do\u2026 and we got a number of good leads out of that.\u201d<\/p>\n What made this work? Preparation. Before the event, McManus had one-on-one conversations with each board member to learn about their background, comfort level, and experience with fundraising. By the time the event came around, they were primed and ready.<\/p>\n This preparation helps build trust and comfort. It also allows development professionals to make tailored asks that align with each member\u2019s unique strengths. Over time, these small wins build confidence, which can lead to deeper and more visible involvement in donor engagement.<\/p>\n Make it easy to prepare your board for big events by giving them the donor information they need. DonorPerfect offers comprehensive donor history reports<\/a> so a board member can easily assess a donor\u2019s background and involvement with your organization.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The words we use shape our perceptions and expectations. McManus emphasizes the importance of language in nonprofit board recruitment and engagement. Rather than centering the conversation on fundraising, she encourages focusing on philanthropy<\/strong> and the broader impact of giving.<\/p>\n \u201cFundraising is what we do. Philanthropy is our outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n By focusing on outcomes rather than actions, nonprofit leaders can present board service as a holistic opportunity to advance the mission. This also makes it easier to have honest conversations about expectations. For example, asking a board member to make your organization one of their top three philanthropic priorities sounds very different than simply saying, \u201cWe expect you to give.\u201d<\/p>\n This linguistic shift also sets a tone of trust and respect. It shows that nonprofit board members are not merely being recruited for their wallets, but because they believe in the mission and are ready to contribute meaningfully.<\/p>\n<\/section>\nFrom collective to individual: Personalizing the nonprofit board experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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![\"Example](\"https:\/\/uploads.donorperfect.com\/images\/sites\/2\/dpvideo-emily-mockup-small.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe new governance imperative: Worthiness of support<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Empowering board members for success<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/uploads.donorperfect.com\/images\/sites\/2\/custom-report-builder-1024x579.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nPhilanthropy over fundraising: Why language matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Inclusion, dignity, and storytelling: Engaging with integrity<\/strong><\/h2>\n