That dreaded F-bomb. The word many board members don’t like hearing but, like it or not, must be spoken out loud. Fundraising.

It raises the hackles of board members who see their part of advancing the mission as making tough decisions about the direction of the organization, not calling strangers or, worse, friends and asking for money. Like it or not, it has to be done.

During the 2015 Bridge to Integrated Marketing Conference, Rachel Muir of Pursuant said that just as board members must be willing to help with fundraising, so must the organization help them learn how to become comfortable with the idea.

The big thing is, helping with fundraising does not mean they have to ask for money.

That’s right. There are 10 ways board members can fundraise without making an ask. How so? Glad you asked.

Give personally. That’s a start.

Call to thank a donor. Studies show that this gives a big boost to retention.

Put the organization in the board member’s will.

Invite 10 guests for a tour of the organization.

Host a cultivation event in the board member’s home.

Be assigned two or three donors to cultivate.

Take on a project to raise the organization’s awareness.

Share information on how money makes an impact at the organization.

Share client testimonials.

Write an article on why the organization is important to them.