Board Member Evaluation: Fundraising & Culture of Philanthropy

I. Commitment to Fundraising

Purpose: Understand comfort level, engagement, and readiness—recognizing that fundraising looks different for different board members.

Q1. How do you view fundraising as part of your role as a board member?Central responsibilityShared responsibilitySupportive but not primaryUnclear / need more guidance

Follow-up: What support or clarity would help you feel more confident in this area?

Q2. Which fundraising activities are you currently willing to participate in?(Check all that apply)Making a personally meaningful annual giftIdentifying or introducing potential donorsThank-you calls or donor stewardshipAttending fundraising eventsHosting small gatherings or conversationsPeer-to-peer fundraising or advocacyCorporate or foundation outreachI am not currently comfortable with fundraising activities

Q3. On a scale of 1–5, how confident do you feel talking about the organization’s mission and impact with others?1 = Not confident2 = Fairly confident3 = Confident4 = Fairly confident5 = Very confident

Follow-up: What information or tools would increase your confidence?

II. Personal Philanthropic Engagement

Purpose: Reinforce “give according to your means” and model leadership.

Q4. Have you made a personal financial contribution to the organization this year that is meaningful to you?YesNoPlanning to

Follow-up (optional): What barriers, if any, make personal giving challenging?

Q5. Beyond financial contributions, how do you model generosity and commitment to the mission?(Open-ended)

III. Culture of Philanthropy

Purpose: Assess how board members help normalize philanthropy across the organization—not just at fundraising events.

Q6. How do you believe a culture of philanthropy shows up in a healthy organization?(Open-ended)

Q7. In what ways do you actively contribute to a culture of philanthropy?(Check all that apply)Speaking positively about fundraising as mission-criticalCelebrating donors and impact (not just dollars)Encouraging staff and volunteers in development effortsSharing success stories with networksReinforcing that philanthropy is everyone’s roleI am unsure how to contribute in this area

Q8. How comfortable are you partnering with staff in fundraising efforts?Very comfortableSomewhat comfortableNeutralSomewhat uncomfortableVery uncomfortable

Follow-up: What would make this partnership feel more effective?

IV. Growth, Support & Accountability

Purpose: Identify opportunities for board development and shared responsibility.

Q9. What training or support would help you better fulfill your fundraising role?Fundraising basicsHow to make an askStorytelling & impact messagingUnderstanding donor pipelinesEquity-centered fundraising practicesPeer mentoringOther:

Other:

Q10. What is one realistic action you commit to taking in the next year to support fundraising or philanthropy?(Open-ended, specific and time-bound)

V. Reflection & Alignment

Q11. Do you feel the organization’s expectations around board fundraising are:Clear and reasonableClear but unrealisticUnclearNot discussed

Follow-up: What would greater clarity look like?

Q12. Is there anything the board or leadership could do differently to strengthen a shared culture of philanthropy?(Open-ended)

Optional Closing Statement for the EvaluationOur organization views philanthropy as a shared expression of belief in our mission. This evaluation is intended to support board members in contributing in ways that are authentic, equitable, and aligned with their strengths.

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