The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast: Episode 86 Summary

Title: Nine Ways Your Nonprofit Board Should Be Involved in Your Annual Banquet
Host/Authors: Jim Dempsey & Jason Galicinski
Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 86 of The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, hosts Jim Dempsey and Jason Galicinski delve into the pivotal role nonprofit boards play in enhancing the success of annual fundraising events, specifically focusing on what they term the "Vision Dinner." This episode unpacks nine actionable strategies for board members to actively contribute to their organization's fundraising banquet, ensuring it not only meets but surpasses funding goals.

Defining the Event: Vision Dinner vs. Banquet vs. Gala

The conversation begins with a discussion on the terminology surrounding annual fundraising events. Historically referred to as "banquets" in the '70s and '80s, these events have evolved over time. Jim Dempsey remarks at [00:17], “Remember that your vision Dinner is one tool in your tool belt. No one should be putting all their eggs in one basket. But the Vision Dinner is a terrific way to surface new donors and to cultivate and to lift your current donors.”

The hosts acknowledge that while terms like "fellowship dinner" and "gala" have been used interchangeably, "Vision Dinner" encapsulates both the fundraising and vision-casting elements essential for sustained nonprofit growth. Jim adds at [02:18], “It conjures up the wrong feelings of what we want to do,” emphasizing the outdated nature of the term "banquet" and advocating for a fresh approach with the Vision Dinner model.

The Importance of Board Engagement

A recurring theme is the necessity for board members to move beyond passive roles. Jason highlights the isolation executive directors often feel when boards are disengaged: “the director kind of feels like they're on an island all by themselves” ([04:09]). Jim agrees, pointing out that nonprofits frequently neglect to incorporate development responsibilities into board expectations, focusing solely on governance and fiscal duties.

The Nine Ways the Board Can Be Involved

Jim and Jason outline nine specific ways board members can actively participate in the Vision Dinner, transforming it into a dynamic and effective fundraising tool.

1. Being a Table Host ([09:04])

   Jim Dempsey: “An effective table host, not just being a table host, buying a table, selling tickets, getting warm bodies, but getting the right people there, that can be one of the most effective ways.”

   Board members are encouraged to host tables by bringing in qualified individuals who are passionate about the cause, rather than merely increasing attendee numbers.

2. Recruiting Table Hosts ([10:22])

   Jason Galicinski: “One of the things that we do in the perfect Vision Dinner mentorship program, almost like week two, is we do a name storming session with the board.”

   Through collaborative brainstorming sessions, board members can identify and recruit potential table hosts within their networks, exponentially expanding the event’s reach.

3. Being a Volunteer ([14:22])

   Jim Dempsey: “In our perfect vision dinner strategy, there's four key positions. And certainly they can serve in one of the four key positions.”

   Board members can take on various volunteer roles, from dinner coordinators to greeters, ensuring the event runs smoothly and efficiently.

4. Recruiting Volunteers ([15:57])

   Jason Galicinski: “One of the other things, they might know people exactly who can do that.”

   Leveraging their personal networks, board members can recruit additional volunteers, bolstering the event’s manpower without significant additional effort.

5. Speaking at the Event ([18:30])

   Jim Dempsey: “One of the most effective MCs that I ever had was a board member who served with me on a pregnancy center.”

   Board members can enhance the event by participating as speakers, emcees, or by sharing donor testimonies, adding a personal and authentic touch that resonates with attendees.

6. Developing a Matching Gift Program ([19:48])

   Jim Dempsey: “If you can get your board members to agree to be the lead gifts, that would set a goal...” ([19:48])

   Establishing a matching gift initiative can significantly boost donations. Board members can either contribute themselves or connect the organization with potential major donors willing to match contributions.

7. Engaging with Major Donors ([20:47])

   Jim Dempsey: “They can be involved with major donors before, during and after your dinner.”

   Utilizing their community standing and relationships, board members can foster and maintain connections with major donors, ensuring sustained support beyond the event.

8. Casting Vision ([21:59])

   Jim Dempsey: “Scripture says without vision, people perish. And it's exactly that way... unless you've got a vision.” ([22:11])

   Board members play a crucial role in articulating the organization's long-term vision, inspiring donors by presenting a compelling future that funding can help achieve.

9. Assisting in Follow-Up ([25:06])

   Jim Dempsey: “...as before I got on the plane headed back to the Washington, D.C. area from Chicago was they always wanted to make sure that I got a thank you call myself from one of the board members.” ([25:29])

   Effective follow-up post-event is essential for donor retention and acknowledgment. Board members can contribute by personally thanking donors, reinforcing relationships, and encouraging future support.

Results and Success Stories

Jim and Jason share compelling success stories, illustrating the tangible benefits of board involvement. For instance, Rebecca Ray's organization saw its fundraising balloon from $250-$300 to $575,000 after implementing the Vision Dinner strategies ([07:00]). Similarly, Becky’s organization doubled its revenue from $150,000 to $300,000 by transitioning to the Vision Dinner model ([07:35]).

The hosts emphasize that achieving at least a $100,000 minimum is essential for justifying the event's efforts, with many organizations surpassing this baseline significantly when the board is actively engaged.

Addressing Criticism and Proven Effectiveness

The episode confronts skepticism head-on, referencing criticisms from detractors who claim Vision Dinners are ineffective. Jim passionately rebuts these claims, stressing that misaligned expectations undermine the model’s potential: “If your dinner is just raising $10,000, you shouldn't be doing events. But our events, as a minimum, a basement, say, $100,000 or more” ([07:00]).

Jason corroborates these assertions by pointing listeners to their website for verified testimonies and data, revealing that "90% hit their goal and their goal is usually a hundred thousand or more" ([28:32]). Jim reinforces this by stating, “if you spend six months to do an event and all it does is raise $10,000, that's not a great return on investment for 3,000” ([26:34]).

Resources and Further Information

To assist listeners in implementing these strategies, Jim and Jason offer additional resources:

• PDF Summary: A downloadable document outlining the nine ways board members can engage in the Vision Dinner.
• Perfect Vision Dinner Mentorship Program: A structured program starting on May 5, 2025, encompassing live weekly calls, pre-recorded content, workbooks, and community support to guide organizations through the Vision Dinner process.
• $10 Million Story Series: Upcoming podcast episodes featuring organizations that successfully raised over $10 million through the Vision Dinner model.

Listeners are encouraged to visit fundraisingmasterminds.net or scan the provided QR code to access these resources and apply for the mentorship program.

Conclusion

Jim concludes with an inspiring analogy, likening the board’s role to biblical figures who supported leaders in achieving significant goals: “If you are an executive director, if you're in any leadership position in a nonprofit, you need your board members to come alongside you and help to undergird...” ([37:23]). Jason echoes this sentiment, urging nonprofit leaders to leverage the discussed strategies to transform their annual fundraising events.

The episode underscores that active board participation is not just beneficial but essential for the sustained growth and success of nonprofit organizations. By adopting the Vision Dinner model and embracing these nine strategies, nonprofit leaders can foster stronger board relationships, enhance donor engagement, and achieve their fundraising goals more effectively.

Notable Quotes:

• Jim Dempsey [00:17]: “Remember that your vision Dinner is one tool in your tool belt. No one should be putting all their eggs in one basket.”
• Jason Galicinski [10:22]: “One of the things that we do in the perfect Vision Dinner mentorship program... is we do a name storming session with the board.”
• Jim Dempsey [07:00]: “If you're raising less than $100,000 at your dinner, you've got to... Is this really worth it?”
• Jim Dempsey [22:11]: “Scripture says without vision, people perish. And it's exactly that way. It does not inflame the hearts of men and women unless you've got a vision.”
• Jim Dempsey [26:34]: “If your dinner is just raising $10,000, you shouldn't be doing events. But our events, as a minimum, a basement, say, $100,000 or more.”

For nonprofit leaders seeking to revitalize their annual fundraising events and fully engage their boards, Episode 86 of The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast offers invaluable insights and practical strategies to achieve "fully funded" status.