February 2016 Minutes

BCF Board Meeting

Minutes

February 4, 2016

President Don Ware called the meeting to order at 2:05 pm.

Members present: Don, Lori, Chenoweth, Mark, Wendy

Visitor/Trainer: Barb Gibbs

Members absent: Jennifer, Jan, Kathy, Scott

Minutes: Minutes of the January meeting were not read because of the training

Treasurer’s Report: No Report because of the training

Board Training

Barb passed out 2 handouts on Board Development and Fundraising.

Listed are key concepts shared by Barb

  • Need a sound management structure
  • Have in placed a good financial process
  • Growth of a foundation is incremental
  • Reputation of foundation is important
    • Need a vision statement along with the mission statement
    • Market who the Foundation helps
  • Hold an annual event to showcase Foundation
    • Does not need to be a fundraiser
    • Can honor donors and/or grantees
    • Breakfast, get-together, etc.
    • Just recognize people
  • Need items in press
  • Branding is important
  • How does the Foundation support the long term health of the community
  • Need a policy in place that will answer what we would do if someone gave us $50,000
  • Need a one page description of who we our and what we do with our founds
  • Need policies in place on how we function – selecting new board members, giving out grants, who is eligible to receive a grant, etc.
  • Need a calendar show when we do things
  • Find out who are the high asset people in our community
  • How do we let donors know what differences their donations make

 

  • There is a cycle for potential donors
    • Identify
    • Qualify
    • Strategize
    • Cultivate
    • Solicit
    • Recognize
    • Stewardship
    • Repeat
  • Make friends of donors, see them socially
  • Make donors feel good about donating
  • Show them how they are creating a better world
  • What do you do if you don’t like to ask people to donate
    • Practice asking until it is easier
    • Ask for what you need
    • Find out what they can give
    • Don’t pressure
    • Ask in a place that is quiet and comfortable for the donor
    • Have a list of levels
    • Talk about legacy gifts
  • Common pitfalls when fundraising
    • Talking too much
    • Too impersonal or too direct
    • Use words such as should or ought
    • Ask apologetically
    • No eye contact
    • Act like you are rushed
    • Break the silence too soon
  • Board members need to talk to individuals about the foundation more without asking for donations

 

Meeting was adjourned at 3:00 pm.

 

  • Topics for next training session on March 3, 2016 at 2:00 pm, Kirk Room:
    • Developing a vision
    • Goal setting
    • Brainstorm a list of steps
    • List values of foundation
    • Updating of web site
    • Calendar development

 

 

Lori Garcy, BCF Secretary