9 Simple Steps to Recruit and Retain Great Board Members

Recruitment and retention of great board members are two major issues for many nonprofit organizations, but I always wonder why? Is it possible that no one cares about your cause?

Unlikely.

Although there are many tasks to do in order to recruit and retain great board members, it’s basically as simple as finding people who are passionate about your cause, willing to act on that passion, and have skills and connections that your organization needs.

I know, I know — it’s easier said than done. But there are some basic steps which most nonprofit organizations are simply not taking to recruit GREAT board members.

5 Steps to RECRUIT Great Board Members

If you’re desperate to see a dramatic change in your board structure and culture, take the following five steps.

1. Start with an “Ideal” List

Create a list of your ideal board members (not specific individuals; rather specific professions, qualities, or characteristics) that includes the skills, talents, diversity, and connections your board needs.

2. Establish a Committee

Establish a committee of board members which is responsible for recruiting and vetting new board members. This committee is often called a nominating committee. Instruct the entire board to funnel names and resumes to this committee.

3. Create a Written Job Description

Write up a comprehensive board member job description and provide it to potential board members during the recruitment process. A good board member job description should also include your expectations, such as:

• Meeting attendance
• Committee participation
• Attendance at events
• Donation and fundraising responsibilities

4. Develop a Thorough Orientation Process

During orientation for new board members, provide them with materials about the organization, a tour of your programs and services, introductions to board and staff members, and a board member expectation form to reinforce what you expect of them.

5. Provide Mentors to New Board Members

Match new board members up with board member “mentors” who can show them the ropes and answer questions. Encourage new board members to meet with their mentors at least twice in the first six months of service. This meeting can be in-person or virtual.

4 Steps to RETAIN Great Board Members

Once you have great board members, how are you keeping your board connected and committed? These next four steps will ensure you retain a strong board, beginning with #6 in our list.

6. Utilize Unique Skills and Talents

Are you providing them with interesting and meaningful work? Are you actually utilizing their unique skills and talents? Make sure you’re directing their efforts in ways that are a good fit for their greatest strengths.

7. Spice Up Your Board Meetings

Are your board meetings boring? Do you go over report after report, or are you having meaningful discussions and engaging board members on important topics? Are you sharing success stories about the clients’ lives that you’ve touched? Take the prep time to ensure your board meetings are engaging.

8. Provide Ongoing Training

Are you providing regular and ongoing training? Do you have an annual board retreat? Do you initiate discussions at regular board meetings throughout the year on topics like fundraising, governance, and budgeting? It’s up to you to ensure your board members remain well-educated.

9. Show Your Gratitude

Are you expressing gratitude? Do you thank your board members in person, in writing, in public? Do they know how important they are to your organization? Make sure they do!

Don’t Settle for Less Than GREAT Board Members

Remember, the title of this article includes the word “great.” It’s not okay to have mediocre board members or simply fill your boardroom with warm bodies. Your board members ought to be top-notch — enthusiastic about your organization, passionate about the cause, available and interested in attending meetings and events, and willing and able to fundraise on your behalf.

Play to Your Board Members’ Strengths

As noted above in step #6, you’ll want to play to your board members’ strengths. Not every board member will be great in every area. Some will be strong fundraisers and others will be more helpful with governance or programmatic issues.

Not everyone needs to fill every need, but collectively your board members should be GREAT. And individually, they should be strong in the ways they can be most beneficial to your organization. Or it might be time to clean house.

So what are you currently doing to recruit and retain great board members? What works? What doesn’t? I want to hear from you in the comments.

[This post has been expanded and updated for 2023]