Hello
[I didn't read the whole thread, apologies if this point has already been made.]
On Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM, Thomas Daltonthomas.dalton@gmail.com wrote:
Those answers don't address the fact that you've just given a seat on the board to someone that has just given you a big pile of cash.
It is very common for members of the board of a non-profit organisation to donate money to support this organisation. Actually, it's even a recommended fundraising practice: it's a sign of their commitment. When Board members go discuss with potential donors and ask them to support their cause, one of the first thing that the prospect will ask is: « What about you? What do you do to support this organisation? How much did you donate? ».
It won't help to answer: « Hey, dude, I'm already devoting my time to this cause, I don't need to donate money ». You're asking someone to donate money to your cause because you think it's a worthy cause. Why should the prospect donate to a cause that you don't judge worthy enough of your own money?
A board member (or volunteer, or anyone who goes around and asks someone to donate money to a cause) has some leverage if they can answer: « I donated $2 million because I think this cause is worthy. How much will you donate? »