Behind every successful fundraising campaign, there’s a champion – someone who leads by example, inspires others to get involved, and brings credibility and energy to the cause. That person is often the fundraising chair. But what exactly makes a great one?

At Craigmyle, we’ve seen the difference a strong fundraising chair can make. A great chair can not only help an organisation meet its fundraising target but also lay the groundwork for a stronger, more engaged supporter base and greater internal morale. Here’s what to look for, and how to support them to succeed.

  1. Passionate About the Cause A great chair believes deeply in the mission. They’re not just lending their name; they genuinely care and are willing to commit time, energy, and connections to help achieve results. This passion becomes infectious, setting the tone for the wider campaign team and encouraging potential donors to see the project’s importance.
  2. Well-Connected and Influential Fundraising chairs often play a key role in opening doors. They bring access to networks of donors, ambassadors, or influencers who might not otherwise be reached. Their involvement lends social proof to the campaign and can significantly increase its credibility.
  3. A Natural Leader and Motivator They don’t do everything themselves – they rally others. A great chair builds momentum, energises a campaign team, and creates a sense of shared purpose. They are excellent communicators and are able to galvanise action even during quieter campaign phases.
  4. Comfortable Making the Ask While they don’t need to be professional fundraisers, a chair should be willing to speak confidently about the campaign and ask others to give or get involved. The most effective chairs are those who lead by example, often being the first to make a significant gift or to secure one through their network.
  5. Committed and Present This is not a token role. A good chair attends meetings, advocates for the campaign publicly, and provides regular encouragement and accountability to the team. Their consistency fosters trust and keeps the campaign on track.

How to Support a Fundraising Chair

  • Provide a clear role description and expectations.
  • Offer briefing materials and talking points.
  • Keep them updated on progress and successes.
  • Recognise their contribution both internally and externally.

Case in Point: Fight Against Blindness

Craigmyle has been working with Fight Against Blindness Chair, Clive Fisher since 2021 to develop a fundraising strategy and grow income. His visible leadership, ability to communicate the project’s impact and steady engagement with both supporters and funding bodies has proved vital. He’s been involved in the nitty gritty of specific approaches as well the logistics of diversifying income streams.  In 4 years, income has tripled, demonstrating the power of passionate leadership in driving fundraising forward.

Conclusion: A strong fundraising chair brings leadership, credibility, and visibility to your campaign. Choose someone who is deeply committed, coach them well, and celebrate their impact. When empowered, a great chair can move your organisation closer to its vision not just financially, but relationally and reputationally. If you’re launching a major campaign and considering leadership options, Craigmyle can help you find and support the right chair.