What is a Triple A Board?
A board with a AAA Rating is one where every board member is motivated to be an Ambassador, Advocate and/or Asker – these boards thrive when there is a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
The Culture of Philanthropy
- Involves the full “development team” – board, other volunteers, staff and highly engaged donors.
- Commitment to mission, vision, values
- An understanding that each interaction with anyone in the community is part of the development process
- Everyone thinks “development”
- Staff, board and other volunteers understand the importance and purpose of the organization
- Visitors, employees, donors and volunteers feel the culture when they interact with our organization
The Ambassador
- Has already made his/her own gift to WMHT
- A role everyone should play
- Have key roles in cultivation of prospective donors and stewardship of continuing donor-investors
- Need to be well oriented and coached in message
- Masters of the “elevator speech” (and the “elevator question”)
- Catalysts for donor-investor renewal
The Advocate
- Has already made his/her own gift to WMHT
- On the golf course or in the car pool – you are strategic in your sharing of information about WMHT
- May also advocate for WMHT on a more formal basis with legislators, foundation officers, another organization with which we are partnering
- Are informed about WMHT’s case for support and are well integrated into our strategic plan and vision
- Well coached on desired results of personal advocacy and handling objections
The Asker
- Has already made his/her own gift to WMHT
- Enjoys sharing his/her enthusiasm for WMHT and asking for investment by others
- Well informed and well trained
- “Matched” with prospective donors (or current donor-investors) for maximum possibility of success
- Teamed with another board Asker or staff leader
- Staff organizes the ask so the Asker’s focus can be on the single purpose of getting (or renewing) the gift
- Benefits from the work of Ambassadors and Advocates