Columns Fundraising

BOARDROOM BASICS: Be Prepared

Board members may be passionate…but they don’t walk into the room with the same level of knowledge.

That’s why preparation matters.

Staff should provide:

➡️ a clear agenda
➡️ supporting documents
➡️ financial reports and updates
➡️ key decision points
➡️ materials in advance (several days ahead, ideally a week)

A board can’t lead well if they’re constantly reacting. If you want engaged board members, equip them to succeed.

Want to strengthen your board culture and improve meeting effectiveness? Columns Fundraising can help you build the systems and expectations that lead to stronger governance. Learn more at ColumnsFundraising.com.

Last month, Columns Principal and Partner Wesley Wicker had the honor of serving as emcee for the Centennial Celebration of the Alpha Phi Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity at the University of Alabama (Theta Chi Alabama), held during the 170th Anniversary year of the national Theta Chi Fraternity.

More than 750 alumni, students, and friends gathered at the Sheraton Ballroom in Birmingham on April 11 to celebrate a century of leadership, brotherhood, and impact at Alabama.

The evening brought together generations of Theta Chi leaders and supporters, including University of Alabama President Dr. Peter Mohler, alumni leadership, chapter officers, and House Corporation representatives who have helped guide the chapter’s growth over the years.

We’re grateful to have been part of the chapter’s journey, not only through strategic fundraising and campaign support, but by helping organizations build lasting cultures of engagement, stewardship, and long-term vision.

Congratulations to the Alpha Phi Chapter of Theta Chi on 100 years at the University of Alabama.

If your organization is thinking about its next chapter - whether that’s strengthening alumni engagement, preparing for a campaign, or building long-term sustainability - we’d love to start a conversation!

Learn more at ColumnsFundraising.com.