Who should be on my nonprofit board?

LaCharla Figgs

Last Update 3 jaar geleden

The Rules

Typically, state corporations laws require that each nonprofit have a governing board. That is, a board of directors or a board of trustees. (Learn the definition of a nonprofit board HERE.) So this is not optional.


But who should be on your board?


Eligibility

First, know that the directors or trustees make up a body of decision makers. These are people who accept legal responsibility for the organization's well-being. This is NOT a social club or a family reunion. This is business.


The law in your state will likely give you some basic requirements for directors. For example, some states require that a director be at least 18 years old. Others require directors to be residents of that state. So be sure to learn your state's basic eligibility requirements.


Other Director "Assets"

Beyond basic eligibility, though, there are other considerations. You want directors who are dedicated to serving the organization's mission and committed to donating time and resources to help the nonprofit succeed.


Consider seeking out people with industry knowledge and experience who can advise you about your programs. It also helps to seek out folks who can help with organization-building and sustainability. That might include people with finance and accounting skills, program development expertise, fundraising experience, and marketing talent.


And don't forget to look for directors who can represent the kind of people you hope to serve when that's practical. So, for example, if you're serving people with differing physical abilities, search for board candidates who have differing physical abilities so that you're planning WITH, not just FOR your target participants.


Work For It

Nonprofits across the U.S. tend to have a common problem: attracting and keeping good board members. There's no magic bullet answer for this, but you can do a few things to keep moving in the right direction:


1)  Create a Governance Committee to oversee recruitment, vetting, and training of potential new directors.


2)  Have that committee develop and give ongoing attention to a board recruitment strategy.


3)  Ask your board members to encourage eligible folks in their circles to consider serving a term on the board.


4)  Connect with organizations in and related to your industry and make it known that your organization welcomes suggestions for new board candidates.


5)  Check out local agencies that recruit and mobilize volunteers for good causes, and


6)  Advertise in your local newspaper, industry publications, on your nonprofit's social media platforms and in online portals like Idealist.


Bottom Line

The big take-away here is that having a solid board is not only a legal requirement; it's just good business. A good board can make or break a nonprofit organization. So if you need help with board development, get help. One source of help is my company LaCharla Figgs Consulting.





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