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FC Expert Blog

How To Do a Good Job on a Nonprofit Board

BY FC Expert Blogger Alice KorngoldWed Sep 9, 2009 at 11:31 PM
This blog is written by a member of our expert blogging community and expresses that expert's views alone.

row team-photo

So you've joined the board of a nonprofit where you care about the mission and the work, you think you can be useful, and you like some of the people you'll be working with--the ones you've met so far. What do you do next in order to be productive?

1. Learn more about the organization and the community you serve.

  • Spend some time with the nonprofit's CEO (and if appropriate and necessary, the CFO and senior program people) learning about the organization, its core programs, and the business model.
  • Make a site visit to learn about core programs and the organization's key clients and constituents.
  • Understand the revenue model, who the funders are and their interests, and the funding challenges and opportunities.
  • Be observant in the board meetings about who leads, and the nature of the group dynamics.

2. Figure out where you can be most useful.

  • It's very possible that you will be asked to help in a myriad of ways. Stop and consider! And discuss with the CEO and/or board chair exactly how and where you can be most useful (and where you will also find the experience most rewarding). It's best to dig in and do an outstanding job in one or two ways, and then add to your plate.

3. Understand the differences between nonprofits and for-profits.

  • You are driving to a mission, not profits, although you should also do all that you can to help build a sustainable revenue model.

4. Glory in the work of the organization.

  • Learn-To-RowI have the thrill of working with nonprofit boards where I place business executives, and I myself serve on the board of Row New York. If you take the time to visit the sites and experience the important work your organization does, it is very meaningful. This will also make you a better advocate, which is an important part of your role as a board member.

5. Enjoy working with the CEO and your colleagues on the board.

  • You are coming together from different backgrounds and perspectives to achieve a compelling purpose. Get to know people and appreciate them!

6. Be generous.

  • Help, contribute, step up.

Photos from Row New York

Topics:

Leadership, Ethonomics, nonprofit boards, Row New York, philanthropy, Nonprofits and NGOs


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Recent Comments | 5 Total

September 11, 2009 at 10:28am by Steven Schlagel

I think spending time with senior leadership is important, but I also believe getting into the corporate offices and meeting with the daily managers of a non-profit is necessary as well. Establishing relationships with the individuals who manage the day-to-day running of a non-profit can facilitate your role and help you spot issues early on.

Steven

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September 14, 2009 at 10:44am by Alice Ferris

This is a great overview on how to orient yourself to a nonprofit board, but don't forget, the organization should be providing orientation too! Boards without orientation programs might want to look at this outline to provide basic structure.

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September 15, 2009 at 5:52pm by Brenda Cope

Here are excellent ideas to keep in contact with your team. You can give better results if you are an active member of your team. Your efforts will never go unnoticed.

seo

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September 28, 2009 at 11:22am by June Bradham

I wanted to know what makes board members have a great experience with nonprofits.... or not. I interviewed high value board members across three continents to find out. Check it out in the Wiley published book, "What Nonprofit Boards Want". You can find it at Amazon/bradham where you can read exerpts. Would love to know what you think!

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