Your Board Can Inspire Generosity — Reflections from BOARD members in the UK

“If ONLY my Board would help!” Can’t tell you how many times I have heard that.

During my recent trip to Nottingham, UK, I had the pure joy of sharing time with the remarkable Board Members and CEO’s of the YMCA’s throughout England and Wales.  Their mission is bold, their commitment is deep, and—like so many volunteer leaders around the world—they are eager to help create a culture where generosity thrives. But they also are not quite sure of their role in making this happens!

My session, “How to Be an Effective Development Ambassador,” focused on what I believe with my whole heart:

You don’t need a fundraising title to inspire generosity.

You need intention, confidence, and a joyful mindset.

You need clarity and simple knowledge on what giving DOES and REALLY DOES in the organization.

You need to be inspired to give yourself.

 

And these Board Members got it.
They took it in.
They stepped up.

 

Here’s what they told me afterward:

“This presentation has helped me with the style and approach I’ll use to inspire generosity.” — Angela Barbaro-Robins, Board Member

“Marcy’s presentation was fantastic and thoughtful… She gave lots of practical ways to develop relationships. This workshop has helped me feel more confident about making an ask.” — Steffen Benbow, Board Member

“Marcy provided the energy needed to inspire. This workshop has made me feel empowered. My first step will be to develop an action plan as a team to develop the conversation.” — Joe Piliero, Board Member

Marcy gave an excellent presentation! She is personable, wise, and kind. Marcy’s workshop presented new ways to inspire generosity and was really useful – thank you! Peter Mayne, Trustee, One YMCA

 

Their words touched me deeply—not because they praised me—but because they affirmed something the world desperately needs to hear:

When you change how you THINK about giving… everything else changes too.

One board member shared with me privately after the session…..

“I do believe in the area of fundraising that it is definitely more of a ‘numbers game’ for us. The personal relationship aspect – which includes an appraisal and alignment of mutual values – is missing.

Also missing is a more effective use of board and trustee resource. Not everyone wants to get up and give an address to a crowd. Not everyone wants to pick up the phone and give a personal “thank you” to a donor. But some of us do. A smaller number of us think we’d do a good job of it. And an even smaller of us would do exactly that!

What is missing is an honest conversation with all parties about what we want to achieve and what are the resources available – with some of the magic and clarity you gave us last night, sprinkled on…”

So there you have it.

We all have an opportunity to support people, programs, experiences, and actions that resonate with our values. All the Board learned, wrote and delivered a 3-sentence ask in my session.  While Board members often fear “the ask.” They worry about saying the wrong thing, asking at the wrong time, or sounding pushy. When we help them approach giving as an opportunity—not an obligation—we can engage donors with a calm, joyful confidence.

You can help your Board become ambassadors by:
• Focusing on YOU language that honors the giver – in everything you write and say.
• Sharing why the mission matters in our own words.
• Inviting—not insisting.
• Walking alongside people as they discover how they want to be generous.

Mindset ignites momentum.

What struck me most in the UK was how quickly they embraced the abundance worldview. When leaders see giving as joyful, meaningful, and possible, the entire organization rises. Energy rises. Confidence rises. And generosity follows.

Your future as an ambassador of generosity is already unfolding.

If Angela, Steffen, Joe, Peter, and their colleagues can walk into a workshop feeling cautious and walk out feeling empowered, then so can every board member—every staff member—every human who cares about a mission.

My hope is that their feedback inspires YOU today.

Remember…

You are called to this work.

You can do this work.

When you bring your JOY, others will rise with you.

 

So go forward with confidence.
Tell your story.
Invite others in.
And above all…

SHINE ON!

Invest in Joy!™