Fundraising Advisory Committee

The Fundraising Advisory Committee was established as an alternative to board expansion, creating a way to bring fresh perspectives, new networks, and fundraising expertise into Hudson Valley Justice Center (HVJC) without adding governance complexity. Fundraising Advisory Committee members are ambassadors and connectors who leverage their networks and professional expertise to expand Hudson Valley Justice Center's reach and strengthen its fundraising capacity. Members provide strategic guidance on fundraising approaches, make introductions to potential donors and partners, and help open doors that staff can then walk through to cultivate relationships and secure support. The Committee serves as both an immediate resource for fundraising growth and a potential pipeline for future board service. Committee members do not have fiduciary or governance responsibilities.

Skills and Expertise

• Committee members bring diverse professional backgrounds and networks that strengthen HVJC's fundraising capacity. The most valuable contribution members can make is leveraging their networks and professional reputation to open doors for HVJC.
• Members may also offer professional expertise in areas such as fundraising and development, marketing and communications, public relations, grant writing, corporate partnerships, major gift cultivation, event planning, donor research, and community connections.

Relationship to Board and Staff

• The board does not manage the Committee; there is mutual awareness and support.
• Staff coordinate Fundraising Advisory Committee activities and work closely with members to utilize their expertise and networks effectively. Staff develop and implement the fundraising strategy with input from the Committee and are responsible for all messaging, donor cultivation approaches, solicitation strategies, and following up on introductions to convert connections into donor relationships.
• Committee members will maintain confidentiality regarding donor information, fundraising strategy, and other sensitive organizational matters shared in the course of their service.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Fundraising Input and Network Expansion
  • Provide thoughtful, high-level input on fundraising strategy, donor engagement approaches, and resource development based on your professional experience and knowledge of the community.
  • Offer perspective on fundraising campaigns that have been successful in your experience, sharing what worked and why.
  • Review fundraising materials and campaigns developed by staff, providing feedback on messaging, target audiences, and effectiveness.
  • Reach out to your network to identify potential donors, partners, and supporters who should know about HVJC's work.
  • Leverage your personal and professional networks to expand HVJC's reach by making warm introductions and opening doors for staff to present the organization's work.
• Ambassadorship and Door-Opening
  • Share HVJC's mission and impact within your networks using materials provided by staff that clearly articulate the organization's work and value.
  • Make warm introductions to potential donors, foundation contacts, corporate partners, and other supporters in your network.
  • Facilitate connections between HVJC staff and people who should know about the organization's work; for example, inviting both a prospect and a staff member to coffee.
  • Help staff gain access to networks and venues where HVJC should be presenting; identifying speaking opportunities, networking events, and forums where the organization's message would resonate.
• Event Participation and Relationship Cultivation
  • Attend cultivation events and networking opportunities where you can represent HVJC and help staff make meaningful connections.
  • When possible and appropriate, host or facilitate small, donated cultivation events designed to introduce major gift prospects to the organization.
  • Participate in donor meetings alongside staff when your presence would add credibility, personal connection, or open doors with particular prospects.
  • Help staff coordinate and organize cultivation events by, suggesting venues, making introductions to vendors, or providing other practical support.
• Communications Support and Amplification
  • Help amplify HVJC's message by sharing content through your own social media networks and professional channels.
  • Provide feedback and professional expertise on communications materials, messaging strategy, and outreach approaches developed by staff.
  • When appropriate, use your professional expertise to support specific communications initiatives; for example, reviewing newsletter drafts, advising on social media strategy, or offering input on website updates.
  • Answer requests for assistance or information promptly (within 48 hours when possible), helping staff move quickly when opportunities arise.
• Project Support and Collaboration
  • Provide feedback, guidance, and professional expertise on specific fundraising initiatives as they are developed by staff.
  • When you have relevant expertise and capacity, offer to contribute to discrete projects or initiatives; for example, conducting prospect research, reviewing grant proposals, advising on donor cultivation strategies, or sharing professional insights on campaign effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with other Committee members and staff to ensure efforts are coordinated, impactful, and aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Share honest, constructive feedback if something isn't working as intended, helping staff and the committee continuously improve.
• Accountability, Reporting and Communication
  • Attend regular committee meetings (every two months) prepared to actively participate, share updates on your networking activities and introductions made, and contribute strategic ideas.
  • Track your own contributions (introductions made, events attended, connections facilitated) to support committee reporting and goal assessment. Committee success metrics and individual contribution goals will be established collaboratively with staff and reviewed periodically.
  • Maintain open, consistent communication with staff and fellow Committee members, being clear about what you can commit to and following through on commitments made.
  • Present to the Board alongside staff on a quarterly basis, sharing committee activities, outcomes, and ideas for Board support of fundraising efforts.

Commitment

• Membership: The body will consist of three to six members. New members will receive orientation on HVJC's mission, programs, fundraising priorities, and donor cultivation practices.
• Term: No formal term limits at this time; ongoing participation contingent on active engagement and fulfillment of responsibilities. Reaffirm commitment every two years.
• Meetings: Meetings held every two months for strategic planning, coordination, and progress review. Meetings may be supplemented with occasional working sessions or event planning calls as needed. Meetings will be one hour to 90 minutes on average.
• Time Commitment: Approximately 8 hours per month on average, including meeting attendance and preparation, networking activities, event participation, and communications amplification. Members who take on specific project roles may have higher time commitments.
• Participation: Members are expected to actively engage in committee work, including: promptly responding to staff requests for input or assistance.

Express interest below!