Nonprofit organizations have faced unprecedented challenges over the last year. As a result, Board member communication, engagement and alignment has never been more important. In addition to helping those in need during a global pandemic, driving diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and promoting social justice; all nonprofits should use this time as an opportunity to renew expectations and re-engage board members in new ways.
How can you ensure that your organization’s board is aligned, engaged and ready to change with you?
The Stanford Social Innovation Review recently featured the following article, written by the President and CEO of BoardSource. The article outlines the difference between a traditional board and a purpose-driven board. However, before a board can reflect and re-evaluate its purpose, it’s important to ensure that all members are engaged. Here are some examples of expectations from a purpose-driven and highly engaged board.
1. Schedule annual, individual meetings with each board member and the President/CEO of your organization. This should be a requirement for each board member, and is an important opportunity to discuss the following:
a. Reaffirmation of the board member’s inclination to place your organization at the top of their giving list (at least during their term on the board). While individual gift capacities will vary for each board member, your organization should be their #1 priority while they serve.
b. Confirmation of time commitment in the following year. Perhaps a job change, or a move may be in the member’s future that could alter their availability to attend meetings or serve as a committee leader – this is helpful to know in advance so the time the member IS available can be maximized accordingly.
2. Incorporate data analytics to drive board engagement in prospect identification. Your database is a powerful tool that should be used to identify giving trends. The finance and development committees should be aware of new donor trends and corresponding organizational impact. But when it comes to asking individual board members to connect the organization to their networks, sometimes the volunteer freezes!
Consider running an analysis of your database to surface zip code clusters adjacent to your board member’s residence and share a list of those names to prompt their thinking. This might lead them to think of other potential donors to whom they are connected.
3. Activate the board in pipeline development and recruitment. Does your organization have an Associate Board, Junior Board or Auxiliary Board? Consider establishing a “mentorship” element to board participation, where each Board of Trustees or Board of Directors member connects occasionally with the Associate Board/Junior Board/Auxiliary Board member. Fostering stronger connections with the built-in pipeline is important for long-term board development.
4. Invite board members to participate in major gift solicitations. This doesn’t necessarily mean the member is soliciting the gift directly – but even outside of capital campaigns, board members should still be active in the stewardship and cultivation cycle of donors. Whether it means helping set up the meeting, attending the meeting and sharing their story, or helping with follow-up to close the gift, there are many ways a board member can and should be involved.
As written in our April 1st blog, “Why 2021 is the Year for Nonprofits to Innovate,” now is the time to reinvent, rethink, and retool; and now, re-engage your board for the new reality. An effective and highly efficient organization has a highly engaged and purpose-driven board that is aligned with the mission, vision and priorities of the organization – and works collectively for a better future.
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To learn more about board engagement and board development, please contact Latz & Company professionals at: 888.949.LATZ (5289) info@latzandco.com.