Most of that fear is based on a myth.
“I don’t know any wealthy people.”
“Asking for money feels uncomfortable.”
“That’s the staff’s job.”
These are the three most common things I hear from board members.
All three are myths.
And they hold boards back more than anything else.
Myth 1: “I don’t know any wealthy people.”
Most people don’t give because they’re wealthy.
They give because they’re connected.
Relationships matter more than net worth.
Myth 2: “Asking for money feels uncomfortable.”
Fundraising isn’t demanding — it’s inviting.
You’re giving people a tangible way to participate in something they already care about.
Myth 3: “That’s the staff’s job.”
Staff oversee fundraising.
Board members legitimize it.
When you show up as a donor and advocate, you signal that the mission is worth investing in.
Every board member can contribute in at least one of three ways:
→ Giver (make a personally meaningful contribution)
→ Connector (open doors and make introductions)
→ Advocate (tell the story compellingly)
You don’t have to do all three.
But you don’t get to opt out of all three.
💬 Which role comes most naturally to you — Giver, Connector, or Advocate?
And which one feels hardest?
#NonprofitFundraising #BoardGovernance #Philanthropy