Sherry Quam Taylor, CEO of Quam Taylor, discusses the nuances and challenges of nonprofit board "Give or Get" policies. Sherry challenges the common practice of requiring board members to either donate a set amount or "get" equivalent donations from their networks, arguing that this approach can hinder true relational fundraising and overall organizational growth. She begins with, “If my board member is going to give an hour or two outside of that monthly meeting, I actually want it to be things that are building that network and the relationship with people who have the ability to be a mid or major level donor.”

Show Host Julia Patrick and Sherry look deep into the unintended consequences of the give/get policy, like perpetuating a transactional mindset rather than fostering deep connections. Sherry explains, “We want every donor giving their best gift… that goes for board members too.” By creating policies that make it easier for board members to give their "best gift," boards can drive sustainable funding, while making board service more inclusive and meaningful. This lively and sometimes funny conversation emphasizes rethinking board contributions, embracing relational fundraising, and even "offering scholarship" seats to diversify and cultivate future leaders. Julia offers up, “This is a super cool way to get that next-gen leadership coming in.”

Key takeaways you’ll find:

1. Fundraising should prioritize relationships, not transactions.

2. Rethink "give/get" requirements to encourage board diversity.

3. Empower board members with relational, impactful ways to contribute.

Hashtags: #NonprofitLeadership #BoardDevelopment #FundraisingTransformation

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