The 100% Board Giving Rule: It’s Not About the Amount, It’s About the Act

The conversation started with a bold statement on LinkedIn: If a nonprofit board member won't donate financially to the organization they serve, they shouldn't be on the board.

The post went viral because it touches a sensitive nerve in governance: accountability.

The Conflict: Equity vs. Expectation

The immediate pushback I received highlighted a crucial tension: the conflict between the expectation of a financial gift and the need for equitable, diverse board representation.

Many readers argued that a mandatory dollar amount for giving effectively shuts out potential board members who offer invaluable lived experience but are not independently wealthy. This is absolutely right! Excluding voices based on their bank account is poor governance and actively undermines a mission focused on community benefit.

So, how do we uphold the principle of 100% board participation while remaining committed to equity?

The fundamental issue in board fundraising isn't the amount of the gift; it's the act of giving.

A traditional "give/get" model that sets a high, uniform dollar amount (e.g., $2,000 from every member) is inherently exclusionary. It focuses on wealth over commitment and can block passionate, qualified leaders from serving.

To maintain credibility and achieve 100% participation, we must reframe the expectation around personal significance.

The new standard should be simple: every single board member makes a personally significant financial contribution, whether that's time, expertise or dollars. Whether that’s $2 or $25,000 is irrelevant. A $5 gift from someone on a fixed income often demonstrates more personal significance than a five-figure gift from a wealthy donor. A donation of time reviewing tax returns, modifying bylaws, providing expertise to leadership is just as valuable as a written check.

This gift, regardless of size, ensures every member has "skin in the game." It demonstrates personal investment, unlocks the responsibility of asking others for support, and aligns the board's actions with the organization's mission.

Before enforcing any rule, however, boards must first define what giving means for their organization. If monetary donations are expected, clarify the threshold of personal significance. If time and expertise are equally important, those expectations must also be formally determined and tracked.

Ultimately, the 100% rule must be about universal participation, not uniform capacity.

A Clear Call to Action for Leadership

CEO, Board Chairs and Development Directors, the responsibility for this clarity lies with you.

• Are your board expectations explicit, written, and equity-informed?

• Have you redefined the 100% rule to be about commitment rather than a specific dollar amount?

• Do your board members understand that time, talent, network, and financial support are four distinct pillars of their leadership?

Don't let your board members guess. Set the expectation at a level that enables participation from all while still securing that critical 100% commitment. True commitment is 100% participation, not a mandatory dollar sign.

---

📣This month's "Making a Difference" spotlight is Marine Toys for Tots Foundation located in Washington D.C. 📣

⭐As we move into the giving season, I'm thinking about Toys for Tots, the charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys to underprivileged children during the holidays.

✅Quick Facts:

• Founded in 1947, Toys for Tots has brought joy to hundreds of millions of children across the country.

• The program serves children up to age 17, including pre-teens and teenagers who are often overlooked during toy drives.

• The initiative aims to provide joy and hope to children in need, promoting the message of giving and community support.

• You can donate new toys through local drop-off locations or make monetary donations online to help reach even more children.

  
  

🌲How You Can Help:

Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at local collection sites in your community—many retailers, schools, and organizations serve as official drop-off locations through mid-December. Toys in the $10+ price range are preferred, and don't forget about sporting equipment, books, board games, and hand-held electronics for older kids.

🎁Can't shop in person? Make a secure online donation through the Toys for Tots Foundation or click the link here: Give a toy

🌲This holiday season let's ensure every child experiences the magic of receiving a gift. A small act of generosity can create lasting memories and deliver hope to families who need it most.

Find your local drop-off location or donate online at toysfortots.org

---

💡 You hire experts to manage your mission, your finances, and your programs—but what about the performance of your board? A high-impact board doesn't happen by chance; it's a strategic investment.

📣 Cooper Consulting Services is proud to introduce our signature "The Governance Blueprint: A Masterclass", a customized program designed to elevate the effectiveness of both new and veteran board members.

This program goes beyond orientation to ensure your board leadership is equipped to:

✅ Lead with Authenticity: Making decisions rooted in personal commitment and ethical governance.

✅ Maximize Impact: Shifting the focus from oversight to strategic alignment with clear roles, accelerating mission goals.

✅ Drive Engagement: Fostering a cohesive, accountable culture that inspires collaboration, leads to better recruitment, and builds confidence in asking for funding.

✅ Amplify Your Mission: Training every member to be an effective, passionate ambassador for your cause.

Ready to invest in the long-term governance stability of your nonprofit and be a part of the inaugural "Blueprint Strategists" cohort? Learn how The Governance Blueprint Masterclass can create a tangible, long-term impact for your organization.

For more information & registration: please visit: https://lnkd.in/gJwySCm9

---

🎯 COMING SOON

Are you a new nonprofit CEO feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone.

Cooper Consulting Services is launching the CEO Leadership Development Program in early 2026.

✨ One meeting per month for one year ✨ Built specifically for CEOs with less than 2 years of experience ✨ Master board governance, fundraising, team leadership, crisis management & more ✨ Learn alongside peers who truly understand your challenges.

Your first two years don't have to feel impossible.

Applications open early 2026.

Want early access? Go to Cooper Consulting Services and sign up to be the first to receive more information.

---

Stephanie Cooper, LMSW is a nonprofit consultant, social worker and the owner of Cooper Consulting Services, LLC. With over two decades of executive leadership experience, she collaborates with nonprofits to provide transformative skills, resources and connections to enhance their missions and transform their communities. If this newsletter interests you, please share in your networks, click connect or message for more information.