Selection of effective board members for a nonprofit organization
October 27th, 2009
The selection of an effective board member for a nonprofit organization is not the same as selecting one of a great company to profit. While business knowledge is desirable in a board member of the company a profit, I think firstly, a nonprofit organization should look for someone who believes in what the organization does. The organization needs all the help and support as possible to achieve their goals. Furthermore, since there is often little or no pay involved with being on the board of a nonprofit organization, the process is not so much the selection of a board member as hiring a board member, wanted to someone willing to serve those who are also well qualified. I had the opportunity to help recruit a board member of a cultural center and fail to consider some features before coming to our candidates.
COMMUNITY PIE
We wanted someone who was highly respected in the business, political and social community around the city. Given that the center was trying to establish itself as a legitimate and enduring presence in the community long term, we wanted to board members who will add to the legitimacy or possibly become the face of the center. In general, board members for nonprofit organizations tend to be more visible and more closely associated with the organization than those of nonprofit organizations. This is true even for large nonprofit organizations like the Red Cross, where local chapters to choose some members of the board who can help bring attention to the cause.
Time commitment
Another aspect of the lack of commitment to the nonprofit organization board member is the amount of time you may be able to spend. Often board members are asked to put in time and energy away from the “boardroom”. Public appearances, fundraising, or political lobbying, all can be part of what a non-member of the nonprofit board might be made beyond the decision to do normal tasks generally associated with a board of directors.
FUNDRAISING
This brings up another aspect to consider when looking for a board member of our cultural center: fundraising. There were a couple of fundraising aspects into account when looking at our candidates and engage targets. One was whether they had direct experience in fundraising, including grant proposal writing and event management and the other was if he had connections with foundations or influential people who could help. Both aspects would come on board by hand and the ideal would be a couple of people who meet any of these profiles.
In summary, a member of the board of a nonprofit organization usually asks to be more involved in their position of what could be the case of a nonprofit company. Coupled with the fact that there may be little or no compensation in question, finding a board member for more than a recruiting effort of advertising that only an open position. By selecting one that is effective in helping the organization meet its goals can take time, patience and a little persuasion.
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