Nonprofit Management Blog
How to Recruit the Right Nonprofit Board Members (and Build a Leadership System That Lasts)
Recruiting members is one of the most common challenges nonprofit boards face, and one of the most misunderstood.
Most advice focuses on where to find people or how to evaluate candidates. That matters, but it misses a more important question: how your board is designed to function over time.
How to Improve Nonprofit Board Engagement Without Burning Out Your Team
One of the most common things I hear from Executive Directors and Board Chairs is some version of this: “Our board just isn’t as engaged as it could be.”
On the surface, that sounds like a people problem. It suggests a lack of motivation, commitment, or interest. It often leads organizations to respond in predictable ways – recruit new members, encourage more participation, or bring in a one-time training to “re-energize” the group.
Grant Funding is a Governance Issue, Not Just a Development Issue
When a nonprofit decides it wants to pursue grant funding, the first instinct is often to hire a grant writer. That instinct makes sense. Grant proposals are complex, time-consuming, and highly structured. Strong writing absolutely matters. However, organizations are often surprised to discover that the factors that influence whether they win grant awards rarely begin with the writing itself.
In reality, grant outcomes are deeply connected to something many nonprofits overlook: governance.
Governance vs. Management: Where Boards Get Confused
If I had a dollar for every time an Executive Director told me their board is “frustrating” (the polite version) or “a nightmare” (the honest version) to work with, I’d have a second funding stream.
Here’s the thing: most boards aren’t trying to overstep. They’re not trying to make an Executive Director’s job harder. In fact, they usually care deeply about the mission and genuinely want to help, but somewhere between good intentions and real-world complexity, the lines between governance and management can blur. And when that happens, even strong organizations start to experience tension, confusion, and burnout.
The Importance of Board Diversity and Inclusion for Nonprofits
Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are essential components of effective governance and organizational success. A diverse and inclusive board brings a range of perspectives, experiences, and skills that can enhance decision-making, improve community engagement, and strengthen the overall impact of a nonprofit. This post will explore the importance of board diversity and inclusion and provide practical strategies for building a more diverse and inclusive board.