You’ve been there. Board recruitment time rolls around, and suddenly, everyone’s scrambling to think of friends, colleagues, or that one enthusiastic donor who might make a good addition. But here’s the truth: building an effective nonprofit board means looking beyond your immediate orbit.
Why the “friends and family” approach falls short
Let’s be honest: recruiting people you already know is comfortable. It’s easy. You like them and they like you! What is wrong with that?
This kind of board makeup can lead to boards lacking diverse thought, experience, and networks. There might also be time, skill, or personal relationship conflicts. Will your favorite uncle really tell you “no” or give constructive criticism? When boards become echo chambers, they miss opportunities and blind spots that fresh perspectives would catch.
I recently worked with a youth-serving organization whose board was entirely composed of a few family members and friends. Valuable? Absolutely, because they believed in the founder and what they wanted to accomplish. However, due to a lack of planning and training, they struggled to connect with the work, learn how to be board members, or even understand their role within the organization.
Board members provide legal oversight and guidance, fiduciary responsibilities, strategic direction, accountability, fundraising development, expertise and diverse perspectives, community connections, and executive oversight. But more importantly, board members are your partners, your advocates, and your sounding board.
Where to find your next amazing board members
Ready to break out of your recruitment bubble? Here are places to look that many EDs overlook:
1. LinkedIn Board Connect (https://nonprofit.linkedin.com/)
This free tool helps nonprofits find professionals actively seeking board roles. Create a compelling listing that sells your mission, not just your needs. Highlight the impact a board member can make, not just the time commitment.
2. Local Business Resource Groups
Many corporations have employee resource groups focused on community engagement. Reach out to their leadership with a specific pitch about mutual benefits.
3. Adjacent Professional Organizations
Think laterally. If you run a housing nonprofit, connect with urban planning associations. Arts organization? Try marketing professional groups. And don’t forget your local Chamber of Commerce!
4. Board Match Events
Many cities host speed-dating style events for nonprofits and potential board members. Come prepared with a 30-second elevator pitch and handouts about expectations.
Creating a board prospect packet that works
Stop distributing boring job descriptions or documents 10 pages long. Instead, create a visually engaging digital or print packet that includes:
- Impact stories featuring current board members (or how your mission will impact others)
- Clear time and financial expectations (no surprises!)
- The specific skills or backgrounds you seek – it is ok to be choosy
- “A day in the life” timeline of board service – be clear on minimum time commitments
- Testimonials from current members about what they gain from service to your organization – if this is a new board you can talk about what you offer in return for their work
Action steps for next week:
- Audit your current recruitment methods. Write down everywhere you’ve found board members in the past two years (or where you can look easily). If it’s all personal connections, it’s time to diversify.
- Create your “dream board” profile. What perspectives are you missing? What skills would transform your organization’s work? What do you really need to complement your team’s expertise?
- Schedule outreach to three new potential sources of board members you’ve never tapped before.
- Revamp your board recruitment materials to focus on impact and growth opportunities, not just responsibilities.
- Ask your current board to commit to finding candidates from outside their immediate networks. This will help bring in a diversity of potential candidates!
Remember, the strongest boards don’t happen by accident—they’re built through intentional recruitment that prioritizes diversity of thought, experience, and connections. Your mission deserves nothing less.
What’s been your most successful source of board members outside your network? Share in the comments!
Ready to review your board development plan? Engage in a board audit for future recruitment. Schedule a free call with me to learn how to work together to accomplish your goals.
