Cheers to a New Year of Purpose and Progress!
As we say goodbye to 2024, I can’t help but reflect on Bob Dylan’s timeless anthem, “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” Its message resonates deeply as we step into a new year filled with potential, opportunities, and the challenges that drive us to innovate and grow.
This year, I’m thrilled to welcome the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central & Northern Arizona and the International School of Arizona to our ever-growing family of clients. Your missions inspire us, and we’re excited to partner with you in making a meaningful impact.
A special thank-you goes to Auburn University’s Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy for the opportunity to present the online class Successful Boards: Fundraising, Communication, & Management. It was a true honor to share insights with such a dedicated group of professionals.
In preparing for that presentation, I developed this month’s featured article, which I’m excited to share with you today. I hope it sparks new ideas, fuels your passion for philanthropy, and sets the tone for a year of purpose and progress.
Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!
Recruiting exceptional board members is more than a task—it’s a strategic opportunity to elevate your nonprofit’s impact. As someone who has spent decades working with organizations to strengthen their leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how the right board members can transform a mission from aspirational to achievable. If you’ve ever struggled to attract the right individuals, you’re not alone. Board recruitment can be challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes a powerful tool to expand your organization’s reach and influence.
A successful board is not built overnight; it’s the result of purposeful planning and a shared vision for the future. Think of your board as an ecosystem, where each member brings unique talents and connections that, together, create a thriving organization. Recruitment, therefore, is not just about filling roles but about cultivating a diverse, dynamic team that believes in and will champion your mission. It’s a process that requires patience, persistence, and, most importantly, passion.
The Challenges of Board Recruitment
Recruiting board members requires a thoughtful balance of outreach and insight. Many organizations face similar hurdles:
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Lack of Visibility:
Often, potential candidates simply don’t know enough about your organization or its impact. Nonprofits sometimes underestimate the importance of consistent storytelling.
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Uncertainty from Candidates:
Prospective board members often hesitate because they’re unsure how they can contribute or what’s expected of them. For some, the formality of “board service” feels intimidating, especially if they’ve had negative experiences in the past.
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Perceived Time Constraints:
Most candidates won’t openly say no out of disinterest. Instead, they cite time limitations, often masking other concerns like unclear expectations or an uncertain value proposition.
Understanding these barriers is the first step toward overcoming them. Recruitment isn’t about convincing someone to join—it’s about inviting them into a mission that aligns with their passions and expertise. When you approach recruitment with this mindset, it shifts the dynamic from a transactional request to a shared opportunity. Instead of asking someone to give up their time, you’re offering them a chance to make a meaningful impact on an issue they care about. This reframing is powerful. It allows potential board members to see themselves as partners in the mission, not just volunteers filling a seat. The best candidates will recognize that their unique skills and perspectives can contribute to something larger than themselves—a movement, a community, a vision for a better future. This alignment not only attracts dedicated individuals but also lays the foundation for long term engagement and collaboration.
Elevating the Board Recruitment Process
Effective recruitment requires strategy, clarity, and storytelling. Here’s how we can shift the narrative and engage the right people:
Tell Your Story Loudly and Proudly
Every community engagement, every conversation, every social media post is an opportunity to tell your story. The individuals you want on your board need to see your mission reflected in their own lives or values. Share the impact of your work widely, and don’t hesitate to celebrate your successes. I often encourage organizations to host informal gatherings where potential candidates can meet staff and current board members. Authenticity matters—people connect with real stories, not just polished brochures
Showcase the Role of the Board
Your board is more than an oversight body—it’s a team of ambassadors, strategists, and advocates. Let the community see that. Feature board members in newsletters, share their stories on your website, and even invite them to speak at events. When you highlight the meaningful work your board does, you inspire others to join in.
Clarity is Key
People step forward when they understand what’s being asked of them. That’s why a clear board member job description, outlining responsibilities and expectations, is critical. Be specific about time commitments, fundraising roles, and the support your organization provides, such as onboarding and mentorship. Candidates are more likely to say yes when they know exactly what they’re stepping into—and feel equipped to succeed.
Think Beyond the Obvious
Diversity is about more than checking boxes. It’s about ensuring your board reflects the community you serve. As you build your recruitment strategy, seek individuals who bring unique perspectives, skills, and connections. A well-rounded board isn’t just an asset; it’s a necessity for driving innovation and decision-making.
Don’t Hide the Challenges
When recruiting, be upfront about your organization’s challenges alongside its triumphs. Transparency builds trust and attracts candidates who are eager to solve problems, not just sit in meetings. Discuss your strategic goals and current hurdles candidly—it’s often the challenges that ignite someone’s passion to contribute.
A Culture of Recruitment
Great boards aren’t built in a single meeting—they evolve through consistent, intentional effort. Make board recruitment part of your organizational culture. Keep a running list of potential candidates, revisit the topic at every board meeting, and engage your current board members as recruiters. Remember, your best ambassadors are those already sitting at the table.
To truly embed recruitment into your culture, think beyond periodic campaigns and treat it as an ongoing priority. This means fostering relationships with potential candidates long before you need them. Attend community events, network with other organizations, and encourage your board members to proactively engage with individuals who align with your mission. By continuously cultivating connections, you’ll not only create a robust pipeline of potential leaders but also deepen your organization’s presence in the community, strengthening its credibility and reach.
Moving Forward
Recruiting board members isn’t just about filling empty seats. It’s about cultivating a team of champions who bring their unique skills, connections, and energy to your cause. Each new member is an opportunity to breathe fresh life into your mission, expand your reach, and strengthen your leadership.
Moving forward requires a mindset of continual improvement. Board recruitment doesn’t end when someone says yes—it’s an ongoing process of engaging, supporting, and inspiring your board members to be active participants in your organization’s success.
Regular check-ins, opportunities for leadership development, and a culture of appreciation are critical for retaining and motivating your board. When your members feel valued and see their contributions driving tangible results, they become not just advocates but true allies in advancing your mission. Success in recruitment is measured not just by who joins, but by how they grow with your organization.
As nonprofit leaders, we’re in the business of building relationships, inspiring action, and making a difference. When you approach board recruitment deliberately and strategically, you lay the foundation for extraordinary outcomes. Start today: build your board with intention, empower its members with purpose, and watch as your mission reaches new heights.
