Because the annual fund is broad-based and occurs regularly, it connects your school with the widest possible group of donors in your community and works to instill in them the habit of giving. The annual fund also opens the opportunity to identify individuals who later might become primary supporters of your capital, endowment, and major gift programs.
The Trustee who fills the role of Annual Fund Chair takes a key leadership position in the volunteer-professional partnership. Besides working with the Board and paid staff, this person serves as liaison to other constituent group Chairs. A clear job description helps ensure that the volunteer (or volunteers) who accepts this role clearly understands the associated responsibilities of this position and follows through on them.
The Annual Fund Chair:
- Makes a personal gift to the annual fund when accepting this position.
- Helps the Development Office and Development Committee refine the Case for Annual Giving. This statement provides prospective donors with clear and compelling reasons for giving, describing how their support makes a difference for the students the school serves.
- Recruits and solicits the Constituent Group Chairs.
- Works closely with the Development Office and the Board's Development Committee to set and monitor annual fund goals to ensure that they are met.
- Attends Development Committee meetings to give progress reports on the campaign.
- Assists with solicitations in the Leadership Gifts group.
- Works with the Board President and Development Committee Chair on early solicitation of Trustees and Development Committee members at the Leadership Gift level. This group leads by example and sets the pace for the campaign.
- Works with Leadership Gift Chair(s) to plan volunteer training in personal solicitation techniques.
- Works with Group Chairs to develop strategies for meeting participation goals.
- Promotes the annual fund and provides information about progress (e.g., through a large sign with a giving tally, newsletter updates, website notices, and emails).
- Leads monthly Annual Fund Cabinet meetings.
While this isn't a complete list of responsibilities, it should give you (and your Annual Fund Chair) a good idea of what you should be accomplishing.
Additional ISM resources:
The Source for Trustees Vol. 12 No. 4 Four Critical Ways the Board Supports the Annual Fund
The Source for Private School News Vol. 17 No. 1 School Spotlight: How Prince of Peace Christian School Tripled Its Annual Fund
Additional ISM resources for Gold members:
I&P Vol. 40 No. 15 The Board of Trustees’ Role in Your Annual Fund
