Your Board:
If You Want More From Them,
Give Them More to Work With

By Mary Ellen Clark, Vice President
Midwest Region

A frequent comment from development professionals about their boards is “I wish our board was more engaged.” 

Board members are as different as the nonprofits they serve. We expect fiscal accountability, fundraising monitoring, policy setting and community ambassadorship from our board members.

But, do we give them the tools to do all that is expected to meet our unique needs? Orientation of board members when they join the board is no longer adequate.

• If your financial statements are too complicated for everyone to understand, create a dashboard reporting system that can be easily monitored. You will find that board members are more confident in asking questions at the next meeting.
  
  
• Board members need an annual review and approval of the strategic plan that outlines the vision for the organization.
  
  
• Fundraising activities should be monitored carefully by the development committee of the board and reported regularly to the full board. This committee should help motivate board members who are disengaged.
  
  
• Provide regular educational opportunities for board members. Learn what is most effective with your board and communicate with them. You will find that they are eager to learn, and want to be good board members.
  
  
• Create an annual process for board review that allows those members who no longer find themselves in a position to meet the responsibilities of board involvement to exit the board. Term limits of multiple years can be overwhelming for a community leader whose job and personal commitments might have changed during this period. It is your responsibility to the organization to monitor your board’s effectiveness and take action when needed.

In these changing times, we find that boards are eager to learn how the organization they represent measures up against what is going on regionally and nationally. Individual and corporate donors are still giving, and state and federal dollars are available for many organizations. Take the opportunity to educate your board.