Perhaps you never considered serving on a board of directors for a nonprofit corporation because you didn't think it was in your wheelhouse. The reality is that nearly everyone has as much to gain from the experience of serving on a nonprofit board of directors as they contribute. Most people consider it an honor to be asked to serve on a nonprofit board. In most cases, board service is a positive and rewarding experience - one that can also fuel your career.
Chances are good that when you know your expectations upfront and you enter your duties with a willingness to take on responsibility, your experience as a nonprofit board director will eventually become a cherished memory in your life.
The experience of serving on a nonprofit board of directors requires you to take on three roles. First, in the boardroom, you'll take on responsibility for governance. You'll need to ask questions, make decisions and help the nonprofit grow and flourish. Second, since nonprofits largely rely on a solid base of volunteers to perform their work, expect to dedicate some number of hours to volunteer service. Finally, you'll be an ambassador of the cause. How you speak about the organization and portray it to others will help enhance its reputation.
What You Have to Gain From Serving on a Nonprofit Board
Serving on a nonprofit board of directors will enhance your character, increase your understanding and provide you with immeasurable experience. Nonprofit board experience requires collaboration and group work, which will help you increase your patience and diplomacy skills. The relationships that you acquire through the experience will increase your network and expand your sphere of influence. Your experiences and relationships will undoubtedly enrich your resume and may also lead to unexpected career opportunities. Board service will give you a greater understanding of how assets may also become liabilities and how to handle them either way. If you take full advantage of your board experience, you can expect to come away from your experience with greater understanding of how to run board meetings and governance in general. Nonprofit organizations are also following the practice of corporate boards in utilizing board management software solutions. Experience using board portals offers valuable experience for board directors in their careers. That experience is even more beneficial if they choose to pursue corporate board experience in the future. Fundraising is a major part of nonprofit board of director service. However, not everyone is a natural at asking others for money. Nonprofit organizations learn how to fine-tune the process of asking for donations and pass this skill on to their board members and volunteers. This is a valuable skill that can come in handy in many other facets of life. Most importantly, as a nonprofit board director, you'll become a true champion for a cause that has a lot of meaning for you.Five Things to Think About Before Joining a Nonprofit Board
Many things will be running through your mind as you consider whether you want to make the commitment to nonprofit board service. At a minimum, you should consider the following five things before you accept a position on a nonprofit board of directors:- Expect to Make a Financial Commitment
- Ask About Fundraising Expectations
- Expectations for Term Limits
- Expectations for Nonprofit Board Duties
- Does the Nonprofit Have Directors and Officers Insurance Liability Coverage?
Final Tips on Joining a Nonprofit Board of Directors
Before offering your final acceptance for a nonprofit board seat, do as much research on the organization and the current board as you can. Learn whether they're a start-up and whether they're struggling or growing. Ask for a copy of their bylaws, last meeting minutes and financial statements. Ask other board members whether the board truly engages in strategic issues that affect the future of the organization. If in doubt, start small and get your feet wet by volunteering or serving on a committee.Media Highlights
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues have become more complex and multifaceted than ever before. At the same time, ESG continues to ascend on board and leadership agendas.
In this buyer’s guide, we explore what a market-leading ESG solution should look like and highlight the key areas organisations should be prioritising as they embark on their search.