20 Small Things Boards Can Do Right Now
Realistic, non-scary actions for board members to support fundraising—without needing a script or a major gift prospect list.
Story First: The Board That Thought They Weren’t Friendraisers
They were smart, committed people. A board made up of artists, academics, activists, and one famously stubborn engineer. They were deeply loyal to the mission—but the minute fundraising came up, shoulders tensed and eyes dropped to the table.
At a retreat, I asked one question:
“What if fundraising wasn’t a job title, but a mindset? And what if you’re already doing parts of it—without even realising?”
That afternoon, we didn’t write strategy. We wrote thank-you cards. One board member, hesitant but game, offered to call a donor she'd once met. Another posted about the organisation’s impact on LinkedIn.
Within a month, those small acts led to a reactivated donor, two new warm leads, and a board member who said:
“Turns out I am a fundraiser. I just do it my way.”
This list is built for those kinds of moments. Small steps, quietly powerful.
Build connection
Write one handwritten thank-you note to a donor.
Email a supporter a short story about something they helped make happen.
Make one five-minute call just to say thanks. No ask.
Send a text to a past donor saying “I was just thinking about you and your support.”
Leave a voice memo for your CEO or fundraiser about what inspired you lately.
Show
Attend one event—even briefly—and meet two new people.
Join a program tour and ask thoughtful questions.
Comment on your organisation’s social media post to boost engagement.
Invite one friend to a public event or online talk.
Reply to the fundraising team with encouragement after a campaign launch.
Share stories
Write 3–5 sentences on why you support this cause. Send it to the comms team.
Post your “why I give” on your personal social media.
Offer to be quoted in an appeal or donor report.
Tell a donor why you joined the board.
Send the team an inspiring quote, memory, or photo from your involvement.
Spark opportunity
Introduce one person to the CEO or fundraising lead—just for a conversation.
Forward a newsletter or campaign with a personal note to 2–3 contacts.
Offer to host or co-host a small event (tea, picnic, Zoom chat).
Invite a new board member or donor to a coffee catch-up.
Tell your network: “If you’re curious about this work, I’d love to share why I care.”
Keep in Mind
These are not about money—they’re about relationships.
You don’t need to be perfect—just present.
A board of 10 doing one thing each is better than one “super-fundraiser” doing it all.
Reflection Prompt for Boards
At your next meeting, try this:
“Which of these 20 small things could I see myself doing with ease or joy?”