5 WISE Tips for Building a Dream Team: Your Board

One of the most important aspects of a nonprofit, and perhaps the most underestimated, is the responsibility of your Board of Directors. When recruiting these members, many think you just need to look for check writers who will support you financially. And that’s great! But if you look at the long-term success of all areas of your organization, not just your bottom line, there are a few other factors to consider.

Passion Beats Profession

Recruiting your board is a lot like dating: If they’re not that into you, move on. It can be crushing when someone you’ve dreamed of joining your board has a lukewarm response to your organization – but don’t push it. If you’ve prepared a compelling case for what your organization does, it will attract the people who connect with that mission. Be a matchmaker and connect the most passionate people with your board.

Another consideration: Passion doesn’t always look lovey-dovey. If someone seems analytical, questioning or downright contrarian, they may be just the right person for your board. Sometimes questions show they really care and are engaged.

Often the hardest task for a start-up nonprofit is to find passionate people for the board beyond the founder and staff members of the organization. However, these people must step aside to create an independent board. Your board roster should contain no paid staff members. Board members receiving compensation from the nonprofit reflects a conflict of interest and is a red flag to funders when they review your board list and IRS Form 990s.

Diversity

To maintain integrity in your board, aim for diversity that mirrors the community where you work. You won’t be surprised to learn that nonprofit boards are largely white and male, despite most of them serving a completely different population. Each nonprofit needs to make steps toward greater diversity, so we can turn the tide. Even if you’re just adding one or two members, make diversity a priority.

That leads to our next tip: Be sure to represent the population you’re serving on your board. You may be thinking the clients you serve don’t have the money or connections to make a good board member. However, the primary responsibility of your board is to govern your organization. Representing the people you serve through your programs will ensure that high-level decisions at your organization always have a north star and benefit the number one concern of your organization: the people you serve.

Financial Support

Your board is ultimately responsible for the financial security of your organization. You should protect your board through insurance against major liabilities, but board members should also be willing to step up and support you through tough times. If you’re concerned about maintaining integrity in your board diversity and keeping your financial future secure, set expectations up front with every board member that they will support you by either giving or getting financial support.

No One Size Fits All

Above all, your board should reflect your strategy as an organization. Consider your board as your cabinet of experts. If your particular programs call for professional expertise in law, seek out that expertise. Be specific about what you’re trying to accomplish. When you specifically need advice on intellectual property, for example, just seeking out a lawyer probably won't result in your perfect match.

Champions

Finally, your board should be willing to champion your cause to their people. Board members should be your top advocates, spreading your message far and wide. Boards can often get the ball rolling for a new organization or build the brand of an existing one through word of mouth or more formal connections. Be sure to recruit members that can’t stop talking about you.

Building your dream team might not be the easiest task, but it should be straightforward. Keep these guidelines in mind to put your organization on the right leadership path.

For tools to support intentional board recruitment including a sample board matrix and board member job description, check out our free resources.