Fundraising Materials

Email Script To Introduce 100% Board Giving and Relationship Mapping

Subject: Following Up: Our First Step to Funding the Mission

Hi Team,
Thank you all again for your incredible energy and strategic input at our Resource Development Planning session. It was powerful to see everyone aligned and committed to building a sustainable future for our organization.
As we discussed, the most effective way to kickstart the plan we created together is for us, the leaders in this room, to make the first investment. Our 100% board participation is the vote of confidence that will inspire every other donor to follow our lead.
To make this process simple and official, I have two important forms for you attached to this email:
The 100% Board Giving Pledge Form: This is your personal commitment to the mission. Please fill it out to the best of your ability, remembering that our goal is 100% participation, not a specific dollar amount. Every gift matters and signals our unified strength.
The Relationship Mapping Form: This is the tool we will use to strategically and confidentially identify potential supporters within our collective networks. Please take 20-30 minutes to think through your connections—this is the first step to unlocking our hidden fundraising potential.
Please complete both of these forms and return them to me by [Date - e.g., end of day next Friday, July 4th].
This is the moment we move from planning to action. Thank you for being the first to step up. I am truly excited to launch this plan with you.
Best regards,
Name
Role

Board of Directors General Relationship Mapping Form

[INSERT YOUR ORGANIZATION'S LOGO HERE]

Unlocking Our Collective Network
As leaders and ambassadors for [ORGANIZATION NAME], our collective network is one of our most powerful, untapped assets. The purpose of this exercise is not to create a list of friends to ask for money. It is a strategic tool to help us identify individuals, businesses, and community leaders who may have a natural affinity for our mission.
Your role is simply to help us open the door; our fundraising team will take it from there. Your insights are invaluable. Please take 20-30 minutes to thoughtfully consider your connections across different areas of your life.
Board Member Information
Full Name: _________________________________________________
Date: _________________________
Instructions: For each category below, use the prompts to brainstorm individuals, companies, or groups. Please list anyone you know who might care about our cause, is a community leader, or has supported nonprofits in the past.
Section 1: Individuals (Personal & Community Networks)
Think about the people you know through your personal life, hobbies, and community involvement. Who in your network cares about our cause?
Members of your faith-based community?
Members of your civic clubs (e.g., Rotary, Kiwanis)?
Neighbors or friends who have expressed philanthropic interests?
Leaders from other nonprofit organizations who could be partners?
Name
Relationship (e.g., Friend, Colleague)
Why They Might Care / Background
Willing to Intro? (Y/N)

Section 2: Businesses & Companies (Corporate Connections)
Which businesses are you affiliated with (as an employee, customer, or friend), loyal to, or know to be active in community support? Many companies have matching gift programs or CSR initiatives.
Your current employer?
Your spouse's/partner's employer?
Former colleagues who are now leaders at other companies?
Key vendors or suppliers you have a strong relationship with?
Company Name
How Are You Connected?
Contact Person/Title
Willing to Intro? (Y/N)

Section 3: Professional Services
Think about the professionals you hire personally or for your business. These are potential in-kind donors, sponsors, or sources of expert advice.
Who is your Lawyer / Law Firm?
Who is your Accountant / Financial Advisor?
Who is your Bank / Banker?
Who is your Real Estate Agent or Insurance Agent?
Service (e.g., Law Firm, Bank)
Name of Person/Firm
Willing to Intro? (Y/N)

Section 4: Foundations & Grantmakers
Do you have a personal or professional connection—even a distant one—to anyone who works for or serves on the board of a philanthropic foundation or charitable trust?
Foundation Name
Your Connection / Contact Person
Willing to Intro? (Y/N)

Thank you for your thoughtful participation. Your network is a powerful force for good, and this exercise is the first step in channeling it to advance our shared mission.
Please return this worksheet to the board chair or the executive director.