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BoardSpark is the training and education arm of Growing Good Consulting, created to help nonprofit CEOs and boards learn how to govern confidently, engage consistently, and grow the organization’s impact and resources. Through workshops, learning series, and on-demand courses, BoardSpark turns overwhelmed leaders and unsure board members into a strong, aligned leadership team.
Turn Your Board into a Fundraising Dream Team!
Tired of Hearing "Our Board Doesn't Fundraise"?
You've got incredible board members—strategic thinkers, community connectors, passionate advocates. They believe in your mission, they show up to meetings, and they genuinely want to help. But when it comes to fundraising, they freeze. It's not that they won't help—they just don't know what to do besides asking for money, and that's not their comfort zone.
This familiar frustration is holding back countless nonprofits. Board members are willing, capable, and connected, yet their potential remains untapped because we haven't given them a clear roadmap for non-solicitation support. It's time to change this narrative across the entire sector.
What Is the BoardSpark No-Ask Fundraising Deck?
The BoardSpark No-Ask Fundraising Deck is a 52-card collection of specific, actionable ways your board members can support fundraising without ever making a direct ask for money. Each card presents a clear, doable activity that builds donor relationships, strengthens your organization's visibility, and creates meaningful connections.
Built specifically for reluctant or time-strapped board members who genuinely want to contribute, this deck transforms "I don't know what to do" into "I can definitely do this." Every action is designed to feel natural, manageable, and aligned with how board members actually want to help—through their influence, networks, and authentic advocacy.
Action Categories That Match How Boards Really Help
Every action card in the deck falls into one of eight strategic categories that align with the natural ways board members can support your fundraising efforts. These aren't about making asks, they're about building the relationships, visibility, and trust that make fundraising possible.
Each card offers a simple, concrete action that builds donor relationships, visibility, and momentum, perfect for board members who care deeply but don’t see themselves as fundraisers.
You can use the deck for:
*monthly challenges
*retreats
*orientations
How the cards are organized:
Donor Appreciation & Stewardship – Simple actions that help board members thank donors, celebrate their impact, and keep them feeling seen and valued.
Visibility & Awareness – Activities that expand your organization’s reach so more people hear your story and discover your work.
Connection & Cultivation – Steps that deepen relationships with supporters and move them closer to future giving opportunities.
Credibility & Storytelling – Prompts that equip board members to speak confidently and consistently about your mission and impact.
Strategy & Support – Behind-the-scenes actions that strengthen your fundraising infrastructure and board culture.
Community & Partnerships – Actions that build bridges with other organizations, networks, and champions who can amplify your mission.
Events & Experiences – Ideas for low-pressure gatherings and touchpoints that bring people closer to your work without a formal ask.
Learning & Reflection – Prompts that help the board reflect on what’s working, learn about fundraising, and grow their confidence over time.
Imagine multiplying your fundraising capacity by ten - not by hiring more staff or working longer hours, but by activating the talented, connected people already at your table. When board members embrace small, consistent actions instead of avoiding fundraising, the ripple effects touch every part of your organization. You move from “our board won’t fundraise” to “our board shows up in dozens of meaningful ways every month.”
This isn't about incremental improvement—it's about fundamentally changing your fundraising ecosystem. Board members become visible advocates, relationship builders, and credibility ambassadors. Your donors begin to feel surrounded by authentic care and attention, not just transaction requests. And perhaps most importantly, your board members rediscover the joy of contributing in ways that feel natural to them.
For just $39, you're getting more than a deck of card. You're getting a practical solution to one of the most common challenges in nonprofit leadership. This is a low-cost, low-barrier way to activate your board's potential and create immediate momentum around fundraising support.
Stop wishing your board would engage differently and give them the specific tools to start today. The investment is minimal, but the potential impact on your fundraising culture is substantial.
Don't Do This Alone: Join the Community
The BoardSpark Facebook Community is your space to learn, share, and grow alongside other nonprofit leaders who are working to activate their boards in new ways. This isn't just about buying a product, it's about joining a movement of organizations choosing to redefine what board fundraising engagement can look like.
Whether you're just getting started with the deck or you've been experimenting with no-ask strategies for years, you'll find practical support, honest conversation, and creative inspiration from peers who understand your challenges. This is where theory meets real-world application, where questions get answered, and where small wins get celebrated.
FAQ's
Is this deck right for my board?
If your board members genuinely care about your mission but hesitate to participate in fundraising, this deck is designed specifically for you. It works for boards of all sizes, experience levels, and comfort zones, from complete fundraising novices to seasoned volunteers who need fresh ideas. The variety of actions ensures there's something appropriate for every board member's personality, schedule, and relationship style.
What if our board has very little time?
That's exactly why we included the time commitment indicators on every card. Many actions take just 5-15 minutes and can be completed during a commute, lunch break, or between meetings. Board members can filter for "light lift" options and still make meaningful contributions. The beauty of the deck is that it meets people where they are, even the busiest board member can find an action that fits their current bandwidth.
Do board members have to be comfortable with fundraising to use it?
Absolutely not! That's the whole point. These cards are specifically crafted for board members who would never consider themselves "fundraisers." Every action avoids direct solicitation and instead focuses on the relationship-building, visibility, and appreciation work that naturally supports fundraising. Board members often discover they've been doing fundraising support all along, they just didn't have language or structure for it.
How do we actually use the deck with our board?
Organizations use the deck in various creative ways: pulling a card at each meeting as a group challenge, assigning cards as monthly commitments, using them during board retreats for action planning, or letting members choose cards that match their interests. The flexible format means you can adapt it to your board's culture and meeting structure. Start simple, even just introducing one card per month creates momentum.