Fundraising Chair

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Position: Fundraising Chair

Board Meeting Responsibilities

The fundraising chair is responsible for being present at all general board meetings. They may meet with the executive committee to help prepare the agenda and will present on fundraising plans in order to engage the board moving forward. The fundraising chair works with the Secretary & Treasurer to oversee the financial health of the organization and decide on what matters should be discussed during fundraising committee meetings.

Committee Meeting Responsibilities

Some fundraising chairs sit on more than one committee for the nonprofit's board. They are the head of the fundraising committee but may also be present at finance committee meetings or executive committee meetings, depending on the organization. During fundraising committee meetings, the chair is responsible for presenting fundraising ideas to be brought to vote, as well as breaking down fundraising plans into actionable steps.

The fundraising chair helps to delegate responsibilities to other fundraising committee members in order to work efficiently toward the organization's goals.

Donor Care Responsibilities

Because the fundraising chair is responsible for raising funds for a nonprofit organization, they also have a vital role in donor care. Donors want to feel that they have a personal relationship with the nonprofit and that their dollars are going to wherever they will make the largest impact in the community. The fundraising chair is often responsible for spearheading donor care efforts, like thank you notes, lunches and appreciation events.

Event Chair Responsibilities

Fundraising and Event chair responsibilities are numerous and often include the following:

• Venue selection
• Budgeting
• Food planning
• Entertainment planning
• Silent auction planning
• Raffle planning
• Theme and decoration planning
• Guest relations planning
• Invitations and RSVP oversight
• Event evaluation
• Review all previous year fundraising activity and make recommendations for improvements for new fiscal year.
• Work with fundraising staff to determine annual development budget.
• Revise and update current fund development plan.
• Develop an annual calendar for the committee’s activities, including critical dates, milestones and required board actions
• Engage in advocacy and networking.
• Participate in annual special events and other fundraising activities.
• Track and report progress toward fundraising goals to the Board.
• Analyze relationships with current and prospective major donors and funders and develop individualized strategies to cultivate or strengthen those relationships.
• Analyze relationships with current and prospective corporate sponsors, devise sponsorship packages, and work with staff and Board to develop relationships.
• Along with Executive Director, meet with current and prospective major donors and funders (foundations and corporations).
• Tap respective networks for potential donors of money, time and in-kind support.
• Monitor & support fundraising efforts to be sure that ethical practices are in place, that donors are acknowledged appropriately, and that fundraising efforts are cost-effective.
• Provide report out during full Board meetings (Board Chair)