The Secret to Strong Nonprofit Boards and Better Fundraising

Are your nonprofit board members disengaged from fundraising? In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with nonprofit strategist Christal Cherry to talk about how boards set the tone for fundraising culture, how executive directors can better manage up, and how to build strong governance practices that drive real impact.

With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and board development, Christal shares practical strategies to help fundraisers:

• Reframe fundraising as storytelling and relationship building

• Engage disengaged board members

• Build accountability between boards and executive directors

• Strengthen board governance and recruitment practices

• Increase recurring giving and planned giving

• Improve donor retention with meaningful appreciation

If you’re a fundraiser, executive director, or board member looking to build stronger relationships and create a healthy fundraising culture, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can implement immediately.

Christal will also be speaking at the WellTold Conference in Fargo (and virtually), where nonprofit leaders will walk away with hands-on, actionable strategies—not just inspiration.

Listen now and learn how to focus on what truly matters in fundraising: relationships, accountability, and mission-driven leadership.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:55 Christal Cherry’s nonprofit journey

02:04 Why speak at the WellTold Conference?

03:33 How boards set the tone for fundraising culture

05:55 Making fundraising less scary for board members

06:16 How to engage a disengaged board

08:08 Board accountability and partnership with leadership

11:43 Managing up as an executive director

13:25 Building strong board governance

17:01 Fundraising trends: recurring & planned giving

19:17 Tactical takeaway: creative donor appreciation

20:41 Storytelling, leadership, and actionable fundraising