From dealing with large nonprofit donors and trust advisors, sorting nonprofit board member financial obligations, to explaining concepts like nonprofit cause selling and board dynamics, hosts Julia Patrick and Muhi Khwaja answer questions from nonprofits.
When faced with the dilemma of whether to bring someone else to a meeting with a large donor and their trust advisor, Muhi advises diversifying the skill set within the organization. He suggests involving estate planning lawyers or seeking pro bono services from local law firms to address legal questions effectively. Muhi emphasizes the importance of transparency and seeking assistance when needed, stating, “Don’t ever fear… I’ll get back to you.”
Speaking to the intricacies of fundraising strategies, Muhi clarifies the concept of cause selling, emphasizing its focus on relationship-driven approaches to cultivation and stewardship. He encourages nonprofits to leverage resources available through platforms like Fundraising Academy to educate board members and gain their buy-in to the process.
The conversation transitions to board management, where Muhi offers insights into determining the frequency of board meetings. He advocates for aligning meeting schedules with the capacity and commitment of board members, suggesting that quarterly meetings may suffice for certain organizations. However, he highlights the importance of regular committee meetings to ensure effective governance.
Addressing a question about the nuances between board dues and give-or-get policies, Muhi proposes a unique approach of assigning board members their own donor portfolios. This proactive strategy not only engages board members in fundraising activities but also fosters a deeper understanding of organizational goals and donor relationships.