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Board of Directors

Having a Board of Directors is a good thing. If you are a 501(c)3 organization, you must have a board. But even if you have a fiscal sponsor or you are running an informal program or single event, it is worth having a board. This group of people serve as a source of advice, energy, labor, and sometimes funds. And it should provide institutional stability and consistency.

Forming your Board

  1. Clarify your purpose statement. Do you have a laser focused goal you want to achieve—with a quantifiable objective you’re trying to reach? You can’t ask anyone else to help you reach for something you can’t clearly define.
  2. Get familiar with your state’s legal requirements.Understand the “duty of loyalty” and “duty of care” required by law of board members. What is the minimum number of board members required? What officers are required in your state?
  3. Create a skill list. Think about what kind of people you are going to need. Your initial board will probably consist of people involved in the project it’s good to include a few outside people (I.E. A Lawyer or accountant board member could save you a lot of time and money).
  4. Write up the Board's responsibilities and expectations. This is an expansion of your bylaws. It establishes the structure of the Board; sub-committees, terms, individual responsibilities, etc.
  5. Recruit specific people. Now that you know what you need and what you expect of them, you can recruit specific people. Attach names to that skill list. Don’t be shy! People love being part of good things!
  6. Hold an initial board meeting. Approve bylaws and elect officers, discuss and approve responsibilities and expectations document. This will help you get your Board running, while establishing how your Board will operate.

    7. Running an Effective Board

  7. Communication and preparation. Scheduling meetings far in advance and creating a clear agenda for each meeting is crucial.
  8. Re-evaluate.Don’t beg a board member to stay—if she or he isn’t engaged, its not worth keeping them. Or, are you missing a skill set to help you achieve your goal? You might need to add some new blood.
  9. Make meetings fun. People want to be part of something they enjoy. Make sure to have a few topics that people can really debate. Give others a chance to talk and lead. Consider serving free food!
  10. Create a clear distinction between “board” roles and “staff/volunteer” roles. This will help to make sure that everyone is accountable, doing their bit.
  11. Say thank you. Maybe it’s a letter you write or a party to celebrate volunteers. Just make sure your board knows you appreciate their time, energy and money…and they will keep giving.