By Becky Doemland, Good Works Indy
Did you know? Nonprofit organizations are required to have a governing board of directors. Separate from an agency’s paid staff members, the board of directors is responsible for governance of the organization, acting as the ultimate decision-makers while ensuring legal compliance and fiduciary oversight. With most nonprofit boards, members are also expected to advocate for the organization and contribute some level of financial support.
Thankfully, these responsibilities are shared among a team of dedicated volunteers forming a board of support and oversight. All too often, nonprofit board service has been mistakenly viewed as a prestigious-but-passive obligation to pad someone’s resume. But the reality is that modern board service is a dynamic, high-stakes leadership laboratory. It’s an avenue for local businesses and professionals to align their skills and expertise with the social sector, benefiting the nonprofit organization, the associated business and the individual. It’s a win-win-win.
What Nonprofits Need
Common to all nonprofit organizations is that they are mission-driven and focused on creating positive outcomes. They’re also routinely challenged to meet increased needs while operating with lean structures. A diverse board of directors acts as a capacity-multiplier, providing additional specialized skills without taxing limited budgets. Some examples of desired expertise are:
- Legal: Reviewing contracts, updating bylaws and providing compliance oversight.
- Human Resources: Navigating workforce concerns and talent management.
- Technology: Advising about optimal platform usage and security issues.
- Finance: Providing oversight and managing reporting for stakeholders.
But recruiting board members with these important skills has become a critical gap for nonprofit organizations nationwide. In a recent BoardSource report, 7 of 10 nonprofit CEOs reported that their boards lack the external business skills that are critical to their organizations’ long-term strategic success.
The Corporate Advantage
Where can you usually find subject-matter experts in these areas? Local businesses! For-profit companies invest significantly to hire educated and motivated workers to advance their strategies and protect their interests. When these companies encourage their employees to share their skills with the nonprofit community, they realize numerous benefits as corporate citizens.
Most notably, nonprofit board service is a highly effective, low-cost professional development tool. Through board service, young professionals and mid-level managers are exposed to real-world challenges that might take years to experience in their corporate environment. As board members, they learn to build consensus and work together toward a goal while practicing leadership skills that easily transfer to the workplace.
What’s more, today’s workers are seeking community-involvement opportunities from their employers. By encouraging employees to volunteer for nonprofit board service, businesses can enhance their own philanthropic programs and boost their employer brand, which positively affects talent acquisition and retention.
Board Members: What’s In It for You?
The final and most critical winners from nonprofit board service are the individuals who raise their hands to contribute time and expertise for the greater good. What’s in it for them? Illustrating earlier points, a study by The Conference Board showed that 80% of employees who serve on nonprofit boards report feeling like better leaders, and 60% believe the experience made them better qualified for a promotion.
On top of that, there are very real benefits that come from sharing and growing your network through board service. The old adage “It’s not just what you know, but who you know” has a two-way application: Board members contribute by making introductions to resources from their own networks: corporate partners, vendors and potential donors. Meanwhile, those same networks G-R-O-W from board service through interactions with community stakeholders and business leaders they might not cross paths with otherwise.
Finding a Seat at the Table
If all that sounds good, you might be wondering: Where do I start? How do I find a nonprofit board opportunity that’s right for me? Sometimes career-focused professionals will look for board openings with well-known, high-profile agencies in the community. And while you may find a board-service opportunity (and a certain level of prestige) with a big-name organization, it’s more likely that you’ll learn more and feel more valued by an organization that aligns with your personal interests.
Start by identifying causes that matter to you: What brings you the most joy to see in your community? Alternatively, what shortfall in your community frustrates you the most? If a particular issue is top of mind, you’ll find like-minded volunteers by joining an organization whose mission addresses that particular issue.
Many communities host board-service networking events, providing a forum for nonprofits and prospective board members to meet. In Indianapolis, the annual “Get On Board” event hosted by Leadership Indianapolis is a chance to make connections in the nonprofit community and learn more about how and where your skills are most needed.
Once you’ve identified an agency, get to know them and their work by volunteering. Sign up for a weekend shift or use your volunteer time off (VTO) to witness how the organization makes an impact in the community. Volunteer service is the best way to determine whether the mission is a match: You’ll either be on fire to do more, or you’ll know that it’s not the right fit for you.
When you’re ready to join the board, ask for a meeting with the Executive Director or the Board Chair to discuss your interests, your skills and expertise, and the organization’s expectations and needs. Since board member terms typically last 2-3 years, it’s important to understand the commitment before jumping in.
Integrating Nonprofit Board Service
Strong communities are built on strategic resource sharing: When corporate expertise meets social mission, business acts as a force for good and both sectors thrive. Whether you’re a business looking to enhance your leadership development program or an individual seeking professional and personal growth, you’ll find opportunities to support the social sector through nonprofit board service.
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Becky Doemland, BAS, is a social-impact consultant and founder of Good Works Indy. Based in Indianapolis, she partners with Central Indiana businesses to design strategic community involvement programs that drive executive leadership development and corporate purpose. Learn more about partnering with Becky at www.GoodWorksIndy.com.
