Hey Nonprofits!

Your Board Won't Fundraise? Stop Asking Them To | Elise Woodworth

June 9, 2026·34 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Most fundraising problems aren't fundraising problems. They're board problems.Elise Woodworth — VMI alum, Air Force veteran, and author of Business Not Battle — joins Trevor to unpack why so many nonprofit boards stall out, and what to actually do about it. She came to this work through a back door (the VMI Foundation made her their first female and youngest-ever trustee), and her approach is unusual: instead of teaching EDs how to manage their boards, she teaches board members how to be effective in the first place.In this episode: the 20-minute Champion's Elevator Pitch exercise you can run at your next meeting, the four thoughtful questions that move a stuck organization forward, why Elise refuses to say the word "fundraising" with new boards, and her four-month blueprint for turning around a burned-out board.If you've ever said "I can't get my board to fundraise," this one's for you.Chapters:00:00 Intro00:55 Understanding Strength and Strategic Mindset05:45 Journey into Nonprofit Leadership11:14 Empowering Board Members14:53 Embracing Change for Growth18:37 Aligning Mission and Leadership19:19 The Champion's Elevator Pitch24:11 Transforming Fear into Invitation30:35 Passion for Nonprofit ImpactHave a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questions/🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗Connect with Elise on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisewoodworth/Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers: https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

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