What to Feel, Know, and Ask Before Joining a Nonprofit Board

Introduction

Joining a nonprofit board is a meaningful way to become engaged as a civic leader and contributor, but it also comes with significant responsibilities and risks. Before making the commitment, it’s essential to reflect on key questions about your interests, capacity, and alignment with the organization and ensure that they have sturdy financial, legal, and strategic plans. Here’s a guide to help you navigate what to consider before stepping into a board member role.

Does the Mission Excite You?

The most important question to ask yourself is whether the organization’s mission genuinely excites you. Board service requires passion and commitment, so consider:

1. Do I follow news, articles, or media about this cause?

2. Am I enthusiastic about spending my time and financial resources to support this organization?

3. Will this organization be one of my top three philanthropic priorities?

Do You Have the Time and Resources?

Board membership is not just about showing up to meetings. It often requires financial contributions, active participation in fundraising, and many hours spent supporting initiatives and attending meetings. Ask yourself:

1. Am I able to dedicate the time needed for meetings, events, and committee work?

2. Am I willing to financially support the organization at the level they expect, and also advocate for it with my friends, colleagues, and others with whom I carry weight?

3. Does the board’s meeting schedule fit your availability?

What Skills Can You Bring to the Table?

Nonprofit boards thrive when members bring diverse skills. Before joining, consider whether your professional expertise aligns with the nonprofit’s needs:

1. What unique skills or perspectives do I have that the board needs?

2. How can I help the organization grow and fulfill its mission?

Consider the Legal and Financial Health

Do your homework. Review the organization’s key documents, including its articles of incorporation, bylaws, mission statement, strategic plan, organization chart, and recent financials (such as IRS Form 990 and audited financial statements). Ask for audited financial statements, review the nonprofit’s endowment size, and inquire about any outstanding legal mattersThese will give you a better understanding of the nonprofit’s structure and health.

1. Have I reviewed the board expectations, financial statements, and governance structure?

2. Have I met with key leaders such as the board chair or executive director to get a sense of their vision and working style?

3. Have I read through the organization's strategic plan and have an understanding of where the organization is against meeting that plan? Do I know how the leaders are tracking and implementing the plan?

4. Is the organization financially sound and well-managed?

5. Does the board offer Director and Officer (D&O) insurance to protect its board members?

Do You Connect with the Board Members?

It’s also important to dig deeper into the culture and style of the board. Do the members have social or political views that align with yours? These may not be deal-breakers, but it’s worth thinking about:

1. Will I enjoy attending board meetings, trips, or events?

2. Does the board’s culture align with mine, or if not, am I excited to learn about a new working style?

3. Are these individuals I want to collaborate with regularly?

4. Do they share my values, or will their opinions and approaches frustrate me?

As a board member, you’ll be working closely with others. It’s important to feel comfortable with the personalities and values of the people you’ll be around:

Are You Ready to Be an Ambassador?

Serving on a nonprofit board means representing the organization within your network and beyond. You will likely be asked to attend events, promote the nonprofit’s work, and act as a public advocate. Consider whether you are ready for this role:

1. Am I willing to publicly represent and promote this organization?

2. Does the nonprofit align with my personal brand and values?

Show Board or Do Board?

One of the most important distinctions to understand before joining a nonprofit board is whether it operates as a “show board” or a “do board.”

1. Show Board: These boards tend to focus on visibility, influence, and attending key events. Members are typically expected to bring prestige, make financial contributions, and leverage their networks for fundraising and advocacy, but there may be less hands-on work involved.

2. Do Board: A "do board" requires active involvement, where members roll up their sleeves and contribute directly to projects, strategic initiatives, or daily operations. If you join a "do board," be prepared to invest time and energy in driving the organization's success through hands-on work.

Understanding which type of board you’re joining will help you assess whether the role matches your expectations and capacity:

• Do I want a highly active role, or am I more interested in using my influence to help the nonprofit?

• Is this board more focused on governance and strategy or on fundraising and events?

What Will You Get Out of It?

While board service is largely about investing in a community or cause, it’s also essential to consider what you’ll gain from the experience. This could include personal fulfillment, networking opportunities, or a deeper connection to outcomes you care about:

1. What am I hoping to learn or achieve by serving on this board?

2. Does my family and/or partner support my involvement, and could they participate in some activities, such as events, retreats, volunteer opportunities or galas?

Final Thoughts

Joining a nonprofit board can be a deeply fulfilling experience, but it requires careful consideration. Make sure that the organization’s mission aligns with your values, that you have the time and resources to contribute, that you've done your research into their governance, strategy, and financial health, and that you’ll enjoy working with the board members. By asking the right questions upfront, you’ll ensure that your board service is both impactful and rewarding. In short, look beyond the surface and research before you commit.