Nonprofit Board Recruiting and Training: How to Make the Most Impact

As a nonprofit consultant, I’ve worked with many organizations, and one common thread I’ve observed is the critical role of a strong, engaged board of directors. A well-functioning board can significantly impact an organization’s success, providing strategic guidance, financial support, and valuable connections.

In this post, we’ll delve into the strategies for recruiting and training nonprofit board members who will actively participate in the running of your organization, be available to the Executive Director and staff, and provide positive direction.

Recruiting the Right Nonprofit Board Members

The first step to building a strong board is to identify the right individuals. Here are some tips for effective board recruitment:

1. Define Your Ideal Board Member:

   • Skills and Experience: What specific skills and expertise do you need on your board? Consider areas like finance, marketing, legal, and fundraising.

   • Passion and Commitment: Look for individuals who are genuinely passionate about your organization’s mission and are willing to dedicate time and energy to its success.

   • Diversity and Inclusion: A diverse board brings a variety of perspectives and experiences, which can enrich decision-making and strengthen your organization's impact.
     

2. Leverage Your Network:

   • Personal Connections: Reach out to your personal and professional network to identify potential candidates.

   • Current Board Members: Encourage your current board members to refer potential candidates.

   • Past Volunteers: Consider past volunteers who have demonstrated commitment and passion for your organization.
     

3. Create a Compelling Board Member Profile:

   • Clear Mission and Vision: Clearly articulate your organization’s mission, vision, and goals.

   • Time Commitment: Be upfront about the time commitment required, including board meetings, committee work, and fundraising events.

   • Expectations and Responsibilities: Outline the specific roles and responsibilities of board members.
     

4. Develop a Recruitment Strategy:

   • Targeted Outreach: Use a multi-channel approach, including email, phone calls, and in-person meetings.

   • Informative Materials: Provide potential candidates with informative materials, such as your annual report, strategic plan, and board orientation packet.

   • Engaging Recruitment Events: Host events like board member receptions or informational sessions to connect with potential candidates.
     

Training Your Nonprofit Board for Success

Once you’ve recruited a talented board, it’s crucial to provide them with the necessary training to effectively fulfill their roles. Here are some best practices for board training:

1. Orientation:

   • Organization Overview: Provide a comprehensive overview of your organization’s history, mission, vision, and values.

   • Board Governance: Explain the roles and responsibilities of board members, including fiduciary duties, strategic planning, and financial oversight.

   • Policies and Procedures: Familiarize board members with your organization’s policies and procedures, such as conflict of interest policies, fundraising guidelines, and communication protocols.
     

2. Ongoing Training:

   • Board Retreats: Host annual or biannual board retreats to discuss strategic planning, fundraising, and other important topics.

   • Workshops and Webinars: Provide opportunities for board members to attend workshops and webinars on relevant topics, such as nonprofit law, fundraising, and board governance.

   • Mentorship Programs: Pair new board members with experienced members to provide guidance and support.
     

Keeping Your Board Engaged

To maintain a high level of engagement, it’s essential to create a positive and supportive board culture. Here are some tips for keeping your board engaged:

1. Effective Communication:

   • Regular Meetings: Schedule regular board meetings to discuss important issues and make decisions.

   • Clear and Concise Agendas: Provide board members with clear and concise agendas for each meeting.

   • Regular Updates: Keep board members informed about the organization’s progress through regular updates, newsletters, and reports.
     

2. Opportunities for Involvement:

   • Committee Work: Encourage board members to participate in committees that align with their interests and expertise.

   • Fundraising Events: Involve board members in fundraising activities, such as galas, auctions, and donor cultivation events.

   • Volunteer Opportunities: Provide opportunities for board members to volunteer their time and skills to support the organization’s programs and services.
     

3. Recognition and Appreciation:

   • Public Acknowledgement: Recognize and appreciate board members’ contributions at board meetings, annual reports, and public events.

   • Personal Thank-You Notes: Send personalized thank-you notes to board members to express your gratitude for their time and efforts.

   • Small Tokens of Appreciation: Consider small gifts or tokens of appreciation, such as gift certificates or charitable donations in their name.

By following these best practices, you can recruit and train a highly effective board that will help your organization thrive. Remember, a strong board is a valuable asset that can make a significant impact on your mission.