Four Things to Look for in Every New Board Member (especially new ones)

I was recently speaking with one of my pro bono clients. They are preparing to expand their board, and there was a lot to consider.

What skills are missing from the board?

What voices and perspectives need to be represented?

Who understands the community?

Who will complement—or perhaps strengthen—the board’s culture?

Yes, we talked about creating a board matrix. It can help an organization see what it has, what it needs, and where the gaps may be.

Throughout I kept redirecting them to a more fundamental question:

What does someone really need to bring to the board?

Not simply what is on their résumé. Not how impressive their title is. Not even how many people they know.

In the end, there are four things every new board member needs:

1. Passion for the organization

2. A willingness to learn

3. A willingness to make a personal donation

4. A commitment of time

It doesn’t matter whether you are a young organization building your first board or a seasoned nonprofit expanding an established one.

The expectations may look different, but these four commitments remain the same.

1. Passion for the organization

A prospective board member may have valuable professional skills, impressive connections, or expertise your board needs.

But do they care about your organization?

Do they believe in the mission? Are they interested in the people you serve? Do they genuinely want to help the organization succeed?

They do not have to know everything before joining the board. That can be learned.

But there needs to be a spark.

Skills may get someone’s name onto your board matrix. Passion is what makes them want to show up, become involved, and stay engaged.

Without that connection, even the most qualified person may eventually become just another name on the board list.

2. Willingness to learn

No one arrives at the board table knowing everything they need to know.

New board members need to be willing to learn about the organization—its mission, programs, history, accomplishments, challenges, and vision for the future.

They need to learn about the community and listen to the people whose lives are most affected by the organization’s work.

They need to understand the financials well enough to fulfill their responsibilities, the strategy well enough to help guide the organization, and fundraising well enough to participate without fear.

And they need to learn about one another.

A strong board is not simply a collection of talented individuals. It is a group of people learning how to listen to one another, respectfully challenge one another, and work together toward a shared purpose.

New board members do not need to arrive with all the answers. They do need to arrive with curiosity—and enough humility to keep learning.

3. Make a personal donation

Every board member should make a personal financial contribution. PERIOD.

That does not mean every board member must give the same amount.

A meaningful gift will look different for each person. The inability to make a large donation should never exclude someone who brings valuable experience, perspective, or community knowledge to the board.

What matters is participation.

BoardSource recommends that organizations engaged in fundraising work toward 100% board participation, with each member giving at a level that is personally significant to them.

When board members give, they demonstrate their own belief in the organization. They can look someone in the eye and honestly say:

“This organization matters to me, and I support it.”

4. Commitment of time

Board service requires more than attending meetings.

For a young organization, that may mean becoming a working board member—helping to develop programs, organize events, create systems, find resources, and take on responsibilities the organization does not yet have the staff to manage.

For a more seasoned organization, the role may be more strategic—providing oversight, helping shape direction, serving on committees, and supporting the leadership team without stepping into day-to-day operations.

Neither role is more important. They are simply different.

That is why an organization needs to be honest about the time commitment before inviting someone to join the board.

And yes, some of that time needs to include fundraising.

Your board members do not all have to fundraise in the same way. But they do need to be willing to find their way.

The matrix can’t measure everything. A board matrix is a tool. Use it to identify the skills, voices, experiences, connections, and perspectives your board needs.

It  cannot tell you whether someone will show up with passion, curiosity, generosity, and commitment.

Before inviting someone to serve, ask:

• Do they care about our mission?

• Are they curious and willing to learn?

• Will they invest personally in our work?

• Are they prepared to give us their time—including time for fundraising and making introductions?

The expectations may look different for every organization and every board member.

These four commitments do not.

You want someone who is ready to care, learn, contribute, and participate.

Recruiting the right people is only the beginning—your board also needs the clarity, knowledge, and confidence to participate in fundraising. If you want to get your board ready to support your year-end efforts, join me for Activate Your Board for Year-End Fundraising, beginning September 24. Here are the details.