Key Qualities and Skills to Look for in Potential Board Members

A Deep and Sincere Caring About the Nonprofit’s Mission

The most important “quality” in a board member would be a real and heartfelt caring about the mission/goal of the nonprofit they will be involved with. Perhaps this stems from a firsthand experience, or a close relative or friend whose life has been touched by same.

After that, I would say the next is commitment to the cause. Will they be involved? Will they attend the meetings? Will they make phone calls? Return emails? Will they take the time? Will they focus on the goal/mission?

Of course, qualities such as financial expertise, legal knowledge, and leadership are all welcomed and useful additions; however they are not in place of the most important quality — caring.

— Silvia Cooper from Prostate Cancer Research Institute

The Combination of Passion, Skill, and Follow-Through

We look at the intersection of passion and skill. Board members want and need meaningful work tied to the mission. That means they have to have time to commit first, then the skills we need — not all organizations need the same skills — and then the follow-through to get the work done independently.

— Jessica Macy from The Do Good Collective

Recruit a Serious and Engaged ‘Get ‘er Done’ Board

Most of all, nonprofits need engaged, “Get ‘er Done” members willing to join committees and help the staff accomplish operational issues.

Seven years ago, I was asked to join a board of a mismanaged, failing organization. They had recruited a nearly all-new board in critical professions. This task required serious, engaged, “Get ‘er Doners” to save the much-needed rural regional organization.

All board members reviewed the organization, top to bottom, made changes, and seven years later, they are back on solid ground. That would not have been possible without dedicated, active board members.

— Gary McGeough from Bristol Organizations

Committed Team Players, Capable of Collaborating Effectively

I seek individuals who are genuinely passionate about our mission and show a strong belief in our values and goals. They should be dedicated to serving our community and willing to go the extra mile to make a positive impact.

Commitment to putting in the necessary effort is crucial; I look for those ready to invest their time and energy into achieving our shared objectives, demonstrating resilience, perseverance, and a proactive attitude.

These individuals should also be team players, capable of collaborating effectively and supporting their colleagues, as we work together towards our common vision.

— Joy Hinkelman from Wellness Center for Older Adults

Can They Help Increase Our Sustainability and Growth Potential?

The key qualities we look for in a board member are fiery enthusiasm for the mission, clarity about what they want to gain and to offer in service of the organization’s big vision, and the willingness to deliver their expertise, intellectual capital, and business connections to increase the organization’s sustainability and growth potential.

— Darice Jones from Hunters Point Family

The Board Provides a Full Set of Business Skills

Since running a nonprofit is similar to running a private-sector business, we look for potential board members who possess business skills.

Each board member may bring a specific skill or may be a generalist, but in the aggregate, the board provides a full set of business skills to ensure that the executive director is employing best practices — whether it’s finance, budgeting, strategic planning, change management, or succession planning.

— Martin Lowenstein from Friends of China Camp

Passion is the Foundation for Everything

A passion for the mission, vision, and values of our organization! Everything else can be taught.

— Audrey Lipsey from Crescendo Academy of Music

Start with a Personal Connection to the Mission

The number-one quality I look for in any potential board member is a true passion for our mission. There needs to be a personal connection — and it cannot just be that they are friends with another board member.

What we ask of board members (evangelize, door-opening, peer-to-peer fundraising, etc.) is not always something that everyone feels comfortable or prepared to do, and if there isn’t a strong connection there, then they won’t ever get past it and be a successful board member.

If they’ve got the passion, then you can focus on other needs, and those can differ depending on your organization and who you already have on your board.

Generally, most boards are going to need connectors — people who are good at thinking about their networks and reaching out as situations arise to get help/advice/support.

But sometimes, you may need some specific skills, depending on what issues are being faced. For example, are you starting to consider purchasing a warehouse for your food bank? It might be a good idea to get a few people on the board with commercial real estate experience, finance/lending folks, etc.

— Susan Dibble from Page Ahead Children’s Literacy Program

Caring Comes First, Everything Else Can Be Taught

Our board members must care about our mission. They don’t have to know a lot about the specific work we do in the beginning, but they have to truly believe in our cause and care about who we are helping.

We serve children with disabilities and developmental delays, children that many don’t realize are in our community.

It’s okay to not be knowledgeable about what we do, as that can be learned. But our board members must be able to empathize with our families, care about the children’s challenges, and want to help with their success.

— Dawn Darby from The Therapy Place

People-Oriented Board Members Can Better Support EDs

Board members are most effective when they engage in high-level thinking and generative conversation rather than problem-focused rehashing of minor issues and problems.

Valuable board members have a true sense of fiduciary responsibility — making the organization stronger being the primary motivation — while keeping mission-focused to deliver quality services to its “customers.”

Finally and most importantly, board members who are people-oriented are the ones who are most likely to practically and consistently support the executive. A people-oriented board will provide the executive time and space to process, have concern for their well-being, and set compensation based on real-world economics.

— Jeff Guyett from Community Action Center

A Commitment to the Entire Role, Not Just the Fun Parts

It’s important for board members to understand that they can’t selectively fulfill their duties. Each responsibility is interconnected and essential for the overall health and success of the organization.

Effective governance requires a commitment to all aspects of their role, not just the parts that might seem most appealing or convenient.

— Paul Marengo from The DC Theater Arts Collaborative

Board Members Willing to Be Leaders, Not Followers

I want people who like to collaborate, who value partnerships and coalitions, and who are committed to advancing the policy and professional priorities of both our state/territorial chapters and the national office.

I can onboard them to the processes of nonprofit management, strategic planning, and the like, but they must each be willing to step up into actual leadership and not passive rubber-stamping.

— Debra Riggs from National Association of Social Workers, Virginia and Metro DC chapters

People Who Can Effectively Communicate the Mission

I would seek someone who is passionate about my organization’s mission, capable of articulating it effectively in a room full of opportunities. This person should be committed to establishing a solid foundation for the organization and providing strategic direction.

I highly seek a person that promotes ethical and meaningful engagement of the organization’s stakeholders.

— Patricia Humura from Vibrant Young Voices

A Broad Set of Skills, Talents, and Abilities

My board member wish list would be, both as a CEO of a credit union and now a nonprofit organization:

Ethical Leadership: Upholding high ethical standards, integrity, and honesty in decision-making and actions is essential for maintaining trust and credibility within the organization and the broader community.

Strategic Thinking: The ability to think long-term and set a clear direction for the organization, identifying opportunities and challenges, and developing strategies to achieve organizational goals.

Communication: Effective communication skills are crucial for a board member to convey information, ideas, and expectations clearly to the organization’s members, staff, and stakeholders.

Decision-Making: Board members must have strong decision-making skills to evaluate different options, consider potential consequences, and make informed and timely decisions for the organization.

Collaboration: Working collaboratively with board members, staff, and external partners is essential for achieving organizational objectives and fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Visionary Leadership: Board members should have a vision for the organization’s future and inspire others to share and work towards achieving that vision.

Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, be flexible in response to unexpected challenges, and lead the organization through transitions effectively is a critical leadership skill.

Financial Acumen: Board members need to have a solid understanding of financial management principles, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure the organization’s financial health and sustainability.

Relationship Building: Building and maintaining positive relationships with members, stakeholders, and community partners is important for the organization’s success and growth.

Problem-Solving: Board members should be skilled at identifying and addressing problems effectively, finding creative solutions, and leading the organization through complex and challenging situations.

— Grant Sheehan from the National Council of Firefighter Credit Unions