Creating a Purpose-Driven Nonprofit Board: Steps to Recruit and Engage Leaders

Oct 2

Building a strong, effective nonprofit board is essential for the long-term success of your organization. However, many nonprofits face challenges when it comes to board engagement and performance. A recent study by Bonterra revealed several common issues with boards, highlighting the need for strategic recruitment and retention.

Of the nonprofits surveyed, 41% indicated that they had under-involved board members. Here’s what some of these organizations had to say:

“Board members are so busy with their jobs and don’t seem to have enough time to give to the organization.”
“They have no personal connection; they are involved because someone has asked them and they want it on their resume only.”
“My board does not understand what their real responsibility is – they see the director as the person who is the worker bee.”

These insights point to the significant consequences of recruiting board members without a strong connection to the mission or a clear understanding of their responsibilities. But how do you identify the right board members? Here’s what to look for and how to assemble a dynamic and impactful board.

1. Mission-Driven Passion

The first and most essential quality in any board member is their passion for your mission. As the National Council of Nonprofits highlights, board members are stewards of an organization’s purpose. They must be deeply committed to advancing its cause. This passion drives engagement, inspiring members to contribute time, resources, and skills to achieve your goals.

When recruiting new members, look for individuals who have demonstrated a personal connection or commitment to your mission. Do they understand the core work your nonprofit is doing, and do they have a personal stake in its success? A strong alignment with the organization's values ensures that they’ll bring energy and enthusiasm to the boardroom and beyond.

2. Proven Interest and Involvement

Beyond passion, board members should have a history of engagement with your organization or the sector at large. However, it’s also important to consider the potential of candidates who haven’t yet shown interest in your nonprofit but have skills or connections that could benefit your board. For example, starting a youth council or a committee structure within your board is a great way to create a pipeline of future leaders. It allows you to engage individuals who may not yet be fully involved but have the potential to make meaningful contributions in the future.

Sometimes, recruitment happens through connections. For instance, Kara Robertson joined the Opera Development Committee in her hometown seven or eight years ago. She had no prior connection to opera but was recruited by a colleague from the arts nonprofit where she worked. Kara’s expertise in fundraising was the primary reason for her recruitment. Over time, her involvement grew, and five years after she began volunteering, Kara joined the full board of directors. This example shows how people can become invested in your mission, even if their original connection is through a different avenue.

Providing opportunities like committees allows individuals to get involved, and you never know when someone’s skills and passion will align to make them a great fit for your board.

3. Clear Understanding of Board Responsibilities

According to the Council of Nonprofits, a board member must fully understand their role and responsibilities, including governance, fundraising, and legal duties. Board service requires more than attending meetings—it involves strategic oversight, financial stewardship, and ensuring accountability.

It’s critical to ensure that new members are prepared for the obligations of board leadership. Organizations should provide orientation, training, and resources to help board members understand nonprofit governance. They should also be clear about expectations, including time commitments, fiduciary duties, and participation in fundraising efforts. Boardable’s guide suggests that potential board members should not only possess leadership skills but also the willingness to contribute their expertise in areas like finance, legal issues, or program development.

4. Strategic Thinking and Leadership

Board members should be forward-thinking leaders who can contribute to long-term planning and decision-making. As Boardable explains, strong candidates should offer expertise that benefits the nonprofit, such as experience in business, fundraising, law, or marketing. These skills enable board members to provide insightful advice and guidance, helping the organization navigate complex challenges.

It’s important to evaluate your current board’s skill set and determine where you may have gaps. Do you need someone with healthcare experience, or is there a lack of marketing expertise? Creating an outline of your board’s skills helps identify what competencies you need to strengthen. Once you know where there are openings, share far and wide the type of candidate you’re seeking. Whether it’s within your network or via social media, actively recruiting for these specific needs ensures that your board is well-rounded and equipped to address a variety of challenges.

5. Creating a Cohesive and Engaged Board

A nonprofit board functions best when its members work as a cohesive unit, respecting diverse perspectives and building meaningful relationships. Boards work better when members have the opportunity to connect personally and professionally, fostering trust and collaboration. While it’s essential to focus on governance and strategic oversight, it’s equally important to create opportunities for engagement outside of formal board meetings.

Encourage board members to find common ground and build friendships. Whether it’s through team-building activities, social events, or casual gatherings, providing these opportunities makes the board experience more enjoyable. Remember, these individuals are donating their time and energy, so it’s important to ensure they enjoy the process and feel appreciated. As Boardable emphasizes, a happy, engaged board is a productive one, and fostering an environment where members feel fulfilled helps your nonprofit succeed.

Sources:

Council of Nonprofits: Board Roles and Responsibilities
Stanford Social Innovation Review: The Four Principles of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership
Boardable: How to Choose the Right Board Member

Here’s a list of free resources to help with nonprofit board management, recruitment, and providing valuable stats and guidance:

1. BoardSource Free Resources
BoardSource offers a variety of free resources, including templates, webinars, and educational articles focused on nonprofit board leadership.  We love the financial literacy information and a downloadable file about board fundraising.

2. National Council of Nonprofits Board Resources
The National Council of Nonprofits provides resources on board roles, responsibilities, governance, and recruitment.  We love the 5 Basics for Good Governance Practices article.

3. BoardEffect Nonprofit Board Resources
BoardEffect offers free templates, guides, and articles on governance and best practices for nonprofit boards.  We love the Board Meeting Minutes 101 guide.  

4. Boardable Resources
Boardable provides free templates, guides, and webinars that help with board recruitment, management, and best practices.  We love the outline for how to conduct board interviews.

5. CharityVillage Board Governance Resources
CharityVillage offers articles, webinars, and templates for nonprofit board governance and management.  We love the free webinars, especially those that outline how to put strategic plans into action.

6. Bridgespan Nonprofit Resources
Bridgespan provides free guides and articles on nonprofit board building, management, strategic planning, and leadership.  We love the Bridgespan Group's Library, with more than 3,000 resources.

These resources offer comprehensive support for building and managing an effective nonprofit board.  Do you have a tool that has been particularly useful to your organization? Share it here and spread the word!