What If 15 Minutes Could Change the Way Your Board Thinks About Fundraising?

Ask a Board member to help with fundraising, and you might get a familiar reaction.

A nervous smile. A little hesitation. Or the question I've heard countless times over the years:

“You don't expect me to ask people for money, do you?”

After more than 30 years working with nonprofit and independent school Boards, I've learned something important: Most Board members genuinely want to help. They believe in the mission. They care about the organization's future.

They just aren't always sure what fundraising actually means—or what they're supposed to do.

And that's where we have an opportunity to change the conversation.

Fundraising Is More Than Asking for Money

Somewhere along the way, we've allowed Board fundraising to become synonymous with solicitation.

But Board members can contribute to fundraising success in so many ways.

They can tell the organization's story. Make introductions. Thank donors. Share the impact of philanthropy. Invite people to events. Open doors to new relationships.

These activities are all part of building a strong culture of philanthropy.

And here's what I've discovered: When we give Board members the knowledge, tools, and confidence to participate, they often become some of our most enthusiastic ambassadors.

Introducing The Fun 15™

That's why I created The Fun 15™, a simple approach to building fundraising confidence and engagement—15 minutes at a time.

Rather than asking Board members to attend another lengthy training session, The Fun 15™ brings practical fundraising education directly into regular Board meetings.

Just 15 minutes.

One focused topic.

An opportunity to learn, practice, and apply something new.

Imagine what could happen if every Board meeting included a short, engaging activity designed to help trustees become more comfortable talking about the mission, building relationships, and participating in fundraising.

Over the course of a year, those 15-minute conversations can add up to something meaningful.

Not because every Board member suddenly becomes a major gift solicitor.

But because everyone begins to understand that they have a role to play.

From Board Members to Fundraising Ambassadors

The goal isn't to turn every trustee into a professional fundraiser.

It's to help each person discover how they can contribute in ways that feel authentic to them.

Some Board members are natural connectors. Others are wonderful storytellers. Some love thanking donors, while others are comfortable making introductions or hosting gatherings. There's room for all of them.

The key is moving from vague expectations to practical opportunities for engagement.

And making the experience something Board members actually look forward to.

Bringing The Fun 15™ to ACIS

On October 28, I'll be presenting The Fun 15™ for Boards: Turning Board Members into Fundraising Ambassadors as part of the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) 2026–27 Speaker Series.

This members-only webinar will explore practical ways to help trustees build confidence, strengthen their fundraising skills, and become more effective ambassadors for their schools.

I'll also introduce my Board Fundraising Playbook, designed to help schools and nonprofit organizations turn fundraising expectations into meaningful action.

I'm looking forward to sharing this approach with independent school leaders across Colorado.

And while this particular session is reserved for ACIS members, the challenge is universal. Whether you're an independent school or another nonprofit organization, helping your Board become more engaged in fundraising doesn't have to be complicated.

Sometimes, it starts with just 15 minutes.