Serving on a nonprofit board of directors is a way for professionals to apply their expertise to a cause they care about. It is an attainable goal for those who wish to contribute to an organization’s mission and long-term sustainability. This role allows individuals to engage with their communities, shape strategic direction, and ensure an organization’s vitality, making it a rewarding form of civic engagement.
Understand the Role of a Board Member
Serving on a nonprofit board means becoming a fiduciary, entrusted with steering the organization toward a sustainable future. This responsibility is grounded in three specific legal duties. The first, the Duty of Care, requires that a director act with the same prudence and diligence that a reasonable person would in a similar position. This involves actively participating in meetings, reviewing financial statements, and making informed decisions based on the information provided.
The second legal principle is the Duty of Loyalty, which mandates that a board member’s actions must always be in the best interest of the nonprofit, not for personal gain. This means giving undivided allegiance to the organization and avoiding conflicts of interest. If a situation arises where a board member’s personal, financial, or professional interests could potentially clash with the nonprofit’s, it must be disclosed and handled according to the organization’s conflict of interest policy.
Finally, the Duty of Obedience requires board members to ensure the organization adheres to its mission, follows its own bylaws, and complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Beyond these legal requirements, board members are also responsible for providing strategic direction, overseeing financial health, and hiring and supervising the executive director. A common expectation is participation in fundraising, often framed as a “give or get” policy, where each member either donates a certain amount personally or secures equivalent funding from their network.
Assess Your Skills and Interests
Before seeking a board position, conduct a self-assessment to create a personal “board candidate profile.” This process begins with an inventory of your professional skills. Nonprofits seek individuals with expertise in specific areas such as finance, accounting, law, marketing, human resources, or technology. Consider what abilities you can offer that would fill a gap in a board’s existing composition and contribute to its governance and operational oversight.
Beyond professional competencies, a connection to the nonprofit’s mission is equally important. Reflect on the causes that you are passionate about, whether they relate to the arts, environmental conservation, education, social justice, or healthcare. Board service requires a significant time commitment, and a strong belief in the organization’s work will sustain your engagement and motivation.
The final part of this self-evaluation is to consider your network and leadership experience. Your professional and personal connections can be an asset to a nonprofit, potentially opening doors to new donors, partners, or volunteers. Demonstrated leadership, whether in your career or previous volunteer roles, also signals your capacity to contribute to strategic discussions and guide the organization effectively.
Find a Nonprofit That Fits You
With a clear understanding of your skills and passions, the next step is to actively search for an organization that aligns with your profile.
- Tap into your personal and professional network by informing colleagues, mentors, and friends that you are interested in board service. Many nonprofits recruit new members through recommendations from their current leadership.
- Use online board matching platforms like BoardSource, BoardStrong, and VolunteerMatch. LinkedIn is also a valuable tool where you can search for openings and indicate your interest on your profile.
- Connect with local community foundations and United Way chapters. These organizations often have a deep understanding of local nonprofit needs and may run programs to match potential board members.
- Take the initiative to research nonprofits whose missions resonate with you directly. Study their websites, annual reports, and public filings like the Form 990 to understand their programs and financial health.
- Start by volunteering if you are passionate about a specific organization. This allows you to get to know the staff and culture, making you a natural choice when a board seat becomes available.
Make Your Interest Known
Once you have identified a nonprofit that aligns with your skills and passions, the next step is to formally express your interest. This requires a professional and tailored approach. A generic application is unlikely to stand out, so it is important to customize your materials to reflect the specific organization you are approaching.
Begin by crafting a resume or professional bio that highlights experiences relevant to board service. Focus on skills in governance, financial oversight, strategic planning, and fundraising. If you have prior board or committee experience, feature it prominently. Your bio should be a concise narrative that introduces you and summarizes the expertise you would bring to their boardroom.
Your formal expression of interest should be articulated in a cover letter or a direct email to the board chair or the head of the governance committee. In this communication, state why you are passionate about that specific nonprofit’s mission and how your professional skills could help them advance their goals. Reference details you learned during your research to demonstrate genuine interest.
Prepare for the Vetting Process
After you have expressed interest, you will enter a mutual vetting process. This phase is as much about you evaluating the nonprofit as it is about them evaluating you. The process begins with an interview with the board’s governance committee, the board chair, or the executive director. Be prepared to discuss your skills, your passion for the mission, and how you foresee contributing to the board’s work.
Simultaneously, you should conduct your own due diligence. Request and review key documents, including the organization’s financial statements and its most recent IRS Form 990. These documents provide a transparent look at the nonprofit’s financial health, revenue sources, and major expenditures. A pattern of deficits without a clear plan to address them could be a red flag.
Beyond the financials, assess the board’s culture and dynamics. Ask to speak with one or two current board members to learn about their experiences. Inquire about the time commitment, fundraising expectations, and any significant strategic challenges the organization is currently facing. This final evaluation will help you determine if you are ready to join their ranks.