How to Identify the Right Board Members for Your Nonprofit Organization

At JK Executive Strategies' Nonprofit Division, we understand the critical role that effective board governance plays in the success, long-term sustainability, and impact of nonprofit organizations. We are committed to helping nonprofits build lasting, adaptive change by providing a range of services, including assessments, facilitation and action retreats, governance approaches, coaching, training, development of tools and resources, and executive leadership evaluation and assessment.

We believe in the power of open two-way communication, honesty, integrity, genuine partnerships, community impact, strong relationships, personality, and going above and beyond to deliver exceptional results. In line with our principles, we recognize the importance of board education, development opportunities, and professional growth for board members and the organizations they lead.

One crucial aspect of effective board governance is selecting the right board members who align with your nonprofit's mission, values, and goals. As the age-old adage goes, "You're only as good as the people you surround yourself with." This holds true for your nonprofit's board of directors. A dynamic, engaged, diverse, and well-connected board can propel your organization to new heights, while an uncommitted board may hinder your community and financial support.

According to a Stanford survey, a significant 27% of nonprofit executive directors believe their board members lack a solid understanding of their organization's mission or strategy , and 41% struggle with recruiting quality board members who are genuinely passionate about the cause . These statistics underscore the importance of identifying the right board members for your nonprofit based on their skills, knowledge, and shared values rather than solely focusing on financial resources.

Some major considerations in approaching the critical task of Board Selection are outlined in the subsequent seven tips. It is my hope that these guidelines will assist you in establishing your organization’s parameters to identify your ideal board members:

1.?????Conduct an Evaluation of Your Current Board

Begin by assessing your current board of directors and identifying their strengths, skillsets, and lived experiences. Mapping out these skills will help you identify any gaps in expertise, such as leadership, fundraising, legal, financial, or sector-specific knowledge. Align your search with your nonprofit's goals and identify the specific skills, knowledge, and experiences you require to address your organization's needs effectively.

2.?????Identify Paths and Resources for Recruitment of New Members

The recruiting process for potential board members should be an ongoing process.?Creating a recruiting process that (most often) is the responsibility of the governance committee allows for consistent communication about potential board and committee members.?This allows the organization to always have a pulse on what talent is needed and an understanding of current board members terming off the board.?

3.?????Decide on a Candidate Selection Path

When seeking new board members, there are 2 paths you can take.??You can either open the doors for anyone to apply or hand-select specific individuals.

4.?????Establish Selection Criteria

For smaller nonprofits, you may decide that you don’t require previous board experience to join your board while larger, more complex nonprofits may require board experience or committee experience to be a full board member.?Always be mindful of any biases in the decision-making process and actively seek to bring on diverse candidates who can contribute unique perspectives and experiences.

5.?????Set Clear Guidelines for Your Organization’s Ethos and Culture and Align Your Board Member Search

Beyond skills and experience, it is essential to ensure that potential board members align culturally with your nonprofit. Their passion for your mission should be a driving force that motivates them to make strategic decisions and actively contribute to your organization's success. During the selection process, ask candidates about their core values, their passion for your cause, their prior involvement as volunteers or donors, and their preferred communication styles to gauge their alignment with your nonprofit's culture.

6.?????Identify and Mitigate Conflicts of Interest from the Outset

Evaluate candidates for pre-existing relationships with your organization or key stakeholders, assess the associated risks, and determine whether the benefits outweigh the potential conflicts.

7.?????Consider a Candidate’s Existing Bandwidth and Commitments

Serving on a nonprofit board requires a significant commitment of time and energy. Before bringing someone on board, ensure they understand the gravity of the role and have the capacity to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Assess their availability, current commitments, and willingness to dedicate themselves to the nonprofit's mission. Highlight the expectations and requirements upfront to ensure a mutual understanding of the board members’ responsibilities.?As a best practice, it is suggested that each board member receives a written overview of their responsibilities and expectations as a board member.

By following these seven tips, your organization can develop guidelines to identify and recruit board members who will positively contribute to your nonprofit's mission. Although finding the right board members may present challenges, streamlining your recruitment process and aligning with the values and principles we advocate at JK Executive Strategies will increase your chances of success. Remember, effective board governance is vital for the long-term success and impact of your nonprofit, and investing time and effort into selecting the right board members is a worthwhile endeavor.

If you're interested in further engaging your existing board, we also offer valuable resources and services such as fundraising workshops, orientation programs, and ongoing training to equip and motivate your board members to be effective ambassadors and advocates for your nonprofit. Together, let's make your board work harder to maximize your organization's potential and create lasting positive change in your community. We would be happy to provide you with a consultation to support your search. Reach out today: https://www.jkexec.com/nonprofit-division