What’s the board’s role in seeking grants?

Posted on 15 Oct 2025

By Nina Laitala, training lead, Institute of Community Directors Australia

Writing grant applications is usually seen as an operational job, but that doesn’t mean the board should not be involved. Even if your organisation has paid staff, every board member has an important role to play in helping the organisation to find and win funding.

Boards bring valuable skills, experience, networks and strategic oversight to the process. In a world where artificial intelligence tools make it easier for everyone to submit forms, standing out requires more than just a well-written application. It takes strategy, relationships and teamwork.

So how can a board best contribute to the grant-seeking process?

1. Start with a fundraising strategy

Before chasing funding opportunities, the board should make sure a clear fundraising strategy is in place. Grants can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, so it is important to think carefully about the true costs involved in applying, not just in writing applications, but also in researching opportunities, managing reporting, and ensuring the project aligns with your organisation’s purpose.

Community Directors training lead Nina Laitala

Boards should ask:

Does this grant fit our mission and long-term goals, or would it be a short-term cash fix?
Do we have the capacity to implement the project to be funded and report on the results?
How should we prioritise our limited time and resources?

It is the board’s job to ensure that the organisation’s efforts are strategic and that time spent on funding applications is an investment, not a gamble.

For more guidance, see the ICDA help sheet on developing a fundraising strategy.

2. Use your networks

One of the most powerful contributions a board member can make is their connections. Who do you know, personally or professionally, who might open a door, offer advice, or connect you to potential funders?

You do not have to make the funding request yourself, but introducing the right people to the right people can make all the difference. Successful grant seeking is often about relationships rather than transactions. When funders know and trust your organisation, you are already one step ahead.

You might also hear about new opportunities through your networks. Share these with your team, as even a passing tip could lead to a big win.

"One of the most powerful contributions a board member can make is their connections. Who do you know, personally or professionally, who might open a door, offer advice, or connect you to potential funders?"

Nina Laitala

3. Be an advocate and storyteller

Board members are ambassadors. The more connected you are to your organisation’s mission, the easier it is to tell the organisation’s story in a way that resonates with funders.

Practise sharing your organisation’s vision in a way that links it to a potential funder’s goals. You could even help develop a short “case for support” for key projects, so you are always ready with a compelling pitch if an opportunity arises.

The more people who can confidently and consistently share your organisation’s story, the stronger your funding prospects.

4. Offer your time and expertise

Grant writing is not just about putting words on a page. There are plenty of ways board members can lend a hand, such as proofreading applications, calling funders for feedback, sitting in on meetings with funders, helping gather supporting documents, or identifying suitable grants.

If you are looking for places to search, the Funding Centre, a Community Directors partner organisation, is a great resource.

5. Bring your skills to the table

Think about what you are good at and how that could help. Maybe you are confident with budgets, have strong writing skills, or have technical knowledge that can strengthen an application. Perhaps you can help with acquittal reports or sourcing quotes for projects.

Just be clear about your capacity. Grant deadlines can be tight, so it is better to commit to one meaningful task than to overpromise and underdeliver.

A strategic approach to grants that draws on the collective skills, experience and connections of the board can give your organisation a real edge. By working together, staying focused, and making smart use of your networks, your board can help turn grant applications into grant wins, and funding into lasting impact.