Nonprofit board development is THAT important.
Not just to the organization as a whole, but, how it directly impacts fundraising effectiveness.
A board dream team just does not appear. It needs to be systematically developed.
It all starts with an inventory through the creation of a recruitment matrix.
The recruitment matrix is a tool that you use to inventory the composition of the existing board of directors. Once you do this inventory, you will have a good sense of the “gaps” in terms of skills, diversity and expertise. Diversity refers to more than just ethnicity. It also includes things such as gender, age, geography, profession, expertise, connections and other affiliations. You should also be tracking term expiration dates to see which board members will soon be rotating off.
The nominating committee will then present their findings to the board which are then as a guide during recruitment. This process will provide you with the basis for recruitment of which you should have both short-and long- term goals and objectives. Be sure that you have a recruitment process outlined so that board members are not brought on haphazardly without any process for nominating and screening.
Why would you treat board membership differently than any other job in the organization? It is THE most important job in any nonprofit. Therefore, you must have a formal screening process in place as if this were an interview. Which it is. It is a great time to determine not only do they have the skills sets, but the passion and interest in your organization’s mission. It is also an opportunity to present board member expectations and allows the candidate to interview the organization.
Board recruitment is a process that should not be taking lightly. It all starts with composition. Get the right people on board from the start.
If you would like a sample board composition matrix, simply email me.
Will appreciate helpful information and partnering.
Emmanuel Ihim
Executive Director