Creating a high-performing nonprofit board isn’t as simple as snapping your fingers, but it is an achievable goal with intentional action. Many nonprofit leaders recognize the need for improvement within their boards, understanding that excellence in governance is key to organizational success.
In cities like Indianapolis, where the nonprofit sector has enormous potential amidst thriving corporate, life sciences, university, and religious institutions, the stakes are high. Reports like the Leading with Intent study from the National Index of Nonprofit Board Practices underline the urgency, revealing significant gaps in board effectiveness:
- Nearly half (49%) of all chief executives reported they lack the right board members to establish trust with their communities.
- Only a third (32%) of boards prioritize knowledge of the community served.
- Even fewer (28%) prioritize membership within the community served.
These findings underscore the need for boards that are not only high-performing but also deeply connected and responsive to their communities’ needs. As nonprofit leaders, you hold the power to enact change. Here’s a roadmap to guide you:
- Intentional Board Recruitment & Onboarding:
- Develop a Board Matrix to align board composition with strategic needs.
- Standardize the recruitment process through formal applications and structured voting.
- Implement comprehensive onboarding to integrate new members and align them with the organization’s mission.
- Development as a Collective Responsibility:
- Define expectations for fundraising, donor engagement, and partnership cultivation.
- Provide training and resources for effective engagement in development activities.
- Foster a culture where all board members actively support development efforts.
- Well-Defined Board and Staff Roles:
- Clearly communicate roles and expectations for both board members and staff.
- Cultivate an equal partnership between the Executive Director/CEO and the board.
- Establish a culture of trust and open communication.
- Active and Effective Committees:
- Ensure committees are aligned with organizational priorities.
- Communicate clear expectations for committee members and promote engagement.
- Facilitate regular updates and feedback between committees and the full board.
- Establish Term Limits and Offboarding Procedures:
- Set term limits to encourage fresh perspectives and prevent stagnation.
- Develop a structured offboarding process for knowledge transfer and succession planning.
- Explore opportunities to maintain relationships with former board members.
Improving your board begins with action. Start with one of these five action items and see where it takes you. A board that operates with purpose and excellence not only guides the nonprofit toward its mission but also fosters an environment of trust, respect, and proactive communication. Such boards are characterized by members who are deeply invested in the organization, curious about its operations, and committed to both individual and collective development.
However, shaping such a board is seldom the result of happenstance. These five strategies provide a roadmap for governance with purpose. By embracing these principles, you can create a board that not only drives your organization toward its goals but also exemplifies excellence in nonprofit leadership.
Unsure where to start, reflect on your organization’s current board with these questions as a starting point for deeper analysis and discussion within your team:
- How well does our board recruitment align with our strategic needs?
- How can we enhance board involvement in development activities?
- Are roles and responsibilities between the board and staff clearly defined?
- How effective are our committees in supporting strategic goals?
- Do we have term limits and offboarding procedures in place?
Reflecting on these questions can help identify areas for improvement and inspire actions that will enhance your board’s performance and, by extension, your organization’s impact on the community it serves. Remember, the journey toward nonprofit excellence is continuous, and the strategic governance of your board plays a crucial role in navigating this path.
You can learn more about our board development training opportunities here.
