Course overview

This dynamic course empowers fundraising professionals to build strategic, productive relationships with their boards. Through real-world case studies, expert insights, and interactive exercises, you will learn how to influence board engagement, inspire shared vision, and deliver fundraising outcomes that align with governance and mission. Ideal for those seeking to elevate board collaboration and drive transformational impact.

You will walk away with the confidence and tools to engage their board as strategic partners in fundraising. The course enhances leadership communication, strategic alignment, and influence skills - enabling fundraisers to navigate board dynamics, foster trust, and co-create fundraising success. It will make a tangible difference in how you lead, advocate, and deliver results in their organisations.

What you'll learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and apply strategies to build trust and credibility with board members.
• Influence board engagement in fundraising through tailored communication and shared goals.
• Inspire board members to become active ambassadors and advocates.
• Deliver fundraising outcomes through effective board collaboration and alignment.
• Navigate common challenges in board relationships with confidence and professionalism.

Targeted skills

• Strategic influence
• Leadership communication
• Stakeholder engagement
• Governance alignment
• Conflict resolution
• Fundraising advocacy

Who is this course for?

Fundraising professionals, non-profit leaders, and development/philanthropy managers who work with or report to boards and want to strengthen board engagement in fundraising.

Delivery

2 x 3hr sessions via Zoom.

This course won’t explore

This course will not cover board governance structures in detail or legal compliance frameworks. It focuses on relationship-building and strategic influence rather than fiduciary responsibilities.

Participant level

Leadership.

Prerequisite knowledge

Participants should have experience working with boards or senior leadership teams and a foundational understanding of fundraising strategy.

Meet the facilitator

Read Gilbert Lorquet's bio (PDF).

Guidelines for enrolment

Make sure you have a login for the FIA Learning Hub. Click "Sign In" or "Forgot Password" if needed.

You can enrol a staff member if they already have a login.

If you require assistance, please email training@fia.org.au.

CFRE

Full participation in Partnering with the Board: Influence, Inspire, Deliver is applicable for up to 2.25 continuing education points in Category 1. B – Education of the CFRE International application for initial certification and/or recertification.

FIA Code

This course relates to the following aspects of the FIA Code of Conduct:

Promoting ethical conduct in board relationships (Section 3.0)

Encouraging respectful and transparent communication with donors and stakeholders (Section 4.0)

Supporting compliance and integrity in fundraising leadership