Could it be your Board’s relationship with fundraising? Let’s talk about it.

Hey Nonprofit Leader, What’s Keeping You Awake at Night?

Throughout the month of June, we’ve been unpacking the barriers that keep people from fundraising—childhood money baggage, busted myths, and even the mystery of why faith based charities seem to fundraise like rock stars.

This week, let’s turn our attention to your Board—and one particular policy that might be stirring up some anxiety: the classic “Give or Get.”

For the uninitiated, a “Give or Get” policy means board members are expected to either personally donate (give) or raise the funds from others (get). Sounds fair, right?

Well… sort of.

The Upside of “Give or Get”

• Flexibility: Board members can fulfill their commitment through personal giving or fundraising efforts.

• Inclusivity (on paper): It accommodates those who may not be able to give big but can mobilize their networks.

For example: If the policy sets a $1,000 annual expectation, a board member can write the check—or rally ten friends to each give $100.

But Here’s the Catch...

Sometimes “give or get” becomes “give if you can or… well… good luck.” Board members who can’t donate might feel uncomfortable asking. And those who can donate might just write a check and go radio silent for the rest of the year.

Even more concerning? This policy can unintentionally exclude voices we need at the table. Some of the best board members bring lived experience, cultural insight, and on-the-ground knowledge of the community. But a financial threshold—whether “give” or “get”—can price them out before they ever get in.

And that’s not just a loss of perspective—it’s a loss of mission alignment.

Enter the “Give and Get” Approach

Yes, it’s a little more ambitious—but a “Give and Get” policy does three things really well:

1. Builds Commitment: Everyone gives what’s personally meaningful—no set dollar amount, just a shared belief in the cause.

2. Expands Reach: Everyone participates in fundraising. That might mean making introductions, signing appeal letters, or attending donor meetings.

3. Sends the Right Message: Funders love to see 100% board giving. It tells them your board is truly invested.

And here’s a bonus: when everyone’s rowing in the same direction—giving, fundraising, showing up—your board becomes more cohesive. You’re no longer begging for participation. You’re building a culture of engagement.

So What’s the Real Goal?

It’s not about hitting a dollar amount. It’s about alignment. A board that gives AND gets is a board that understands the mission, feels responsible for the organization's financial well-being, and shows up for the long haul.

And that, dear nonprofit leader, just might help you sleep a little better at night.