“We must remember that philanthropy is our core business,” said Kenneth W. Eggeman, Ph.D., president and CEO of Community First Foundation, at the Foundation’s May 15 board development seminar. “We need to understand philanthropy, believe in philanthropy and act philanthropically.”

Nearly 50 people attended the seminar that was both philosophical and practical. Executive directors, development staff and board members filled the room as they sought advice on how to strengthen the fund-raising ability of their boards. A thoughtful exchange of ideas was shared by  Eggeman, Vernon Ritzman, M.D., board chair of the Foundation, and Deborah Dale Brackney, vice president of Mountain States Employers Council.

Quoting Deepak Chopra, M.D. from the book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Eggeman said that philanthropy is about giving and receiving. “The easiest way to get what you want is to help others get what they want,”  Eggeman said. "As board members, we are called to give. This premise will help you recruit board members with an expectation of their vital fund-raising role.”

In a recurring theme of the seminar, Ritzman said, “You must be very up-front with expectations.” He discussed the essential characteristics of good board members, with integrity topping the list.

Dale Brackney communicated many of the practical matters of building fund-raising boards. After defining the roles of board members and clarifying what good boards do, she said, “You should always recruit board members with the expectation of fund-raising.”

To learn more, click on the links below.

Deborah Dale Brackney PowerPoint Presentation

Board Assessment List