3 Tips to Build a Better Nonprofit Board

Nonprofit leaders, we all know that working with a board can sometimes feel like a challenge. Some boards function like a well-oiled machine, while others seem to slow things down. If you’re experiencing frustration with your board, you’re not alone. Today, I’m sharing three essential tips to help you overcome board dysfunction and design a board that everyone enjoys being part of.

1. Shift from a Governance Model to an Oversight Model

One of the biggest reasons nonprofit boards struggle is because they’re often operating under a broken model of leadership. Many boards have been told that their primary role is governance, but I’m here to tell you that there’s a more effective way to structure your board’s responsibilities.

Good Governance Defined: Governance involves leadership and decision-making, as well as oversight and accountability for those decisions. The problem arises when the board is tasked with both making decisions and overseeing those same decisions. With no external checks and balances in place, this creates a lack of proper governance.

The Solution: Shift from a board governance model to an oversight model. In this model, the staff and leadership team make the key decisions, while the board provides oversight. This means the board double-checks decisions and ensures they’re ethical, effective, and legal, rather than making the decisions themselves.

With an oversight model, you create a clearer and more effective governance structure. The line between micromanaging and managing becomes irrelevant because the board isn’t managing—it’s overseeing.

Key Responsibilities of an Oversight Board:

• Review leadership decisions for legality, effectiveness, and ethics.
• Ensure proper checks and balances within the organization.
• Stay focused on oversight rather than decision-making.
• Let go of setting direction or strategy and approving budgets.

2. Level Up Your Board’s Knowledge

For your board to function effectively, they must be well-informed about your organization’s operations. This means consistently leveling up their knowledge and keeping them engaged in what’s happening in the organization. Board members should understand the oversight model and be aware of the key areas they’re responsible for overseeing.

Key Areas of Oversight:

• Leadership: Ensure there are sufficient and qualified leaders, that they’re well-resourced, and that they’re supported in their roles. This includes questions around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Impact: Is the organization fulfilling its mission? Are the strategies and tactics aligned with it’s goals? Is the financial plan sound and realistic?
• Finances: Some board members may need additional training to effectively oversee finances. Make sure you have a finance committee that can review key financial documents.

Regular education, committee meetings, and training sessions will help keep your board informed and engaged in the right way.

3. Make Board Membership Fun and Rewarding

Lastly, for your board to function well, members need to actually enjoy being there! Board service should feel rewarding and fulfilling, not like an exhausting obligation. Here are a few ways to make board membership more enjoyable:

• Don’t Overmeet: Board meetings every month are often too much. Consider reducing your meetings to six or even four times a year to avoid burnout and ensure meetings are productive.
• Strong Facilitation: Ensure there’s a skilled facilitator—this doesn’t have to be the board chair. A good facilitator keeps meetings focused, ensures everyone is heard, and maintains a positive group dynamic.
• In-Person vs. Virtual Meetings: In-person meetings are great for bonding, but virtual meetings can be more convenient and efficient. Find the right balance that works for your board.
• Onboarding and Mentorship: Be intentional about onboarding new board members. Consider having a provisional period where new members are mentored and trained before officially joining. This helps integrate new members smoothly and avoids conflicts later.

By creating a positive experience, ensuring meetings are efficient, and onboarding new members thoughtfully, you’ll build a board that’s both functional and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

When you shift from a governance model to an oversight model, keep your board informed and engaged, and make their experience rewarding, you’ll reduce dysfunction and create a board that’s both effective and enjoyable to work with. Remember, nonprofit leadership should be a collaborative effort where everyone feels valued and respected.