Board members help drive all aspects of a nonprofit, from fundraising to policy making. As a result, they set the tone for the entire organization. Nonprofits who are struggling financially or looking to grow their budget should look at their board-level engagement for areas of improvement. Because nonprofit board members are often big contributors, as well as responsible for fundraising, disengaged board members are likely to raise significantly less money. 

Nonprofits require extensive collaboration. Regardless of the board’s mission, all members need to work together, along with the CEO/Executive Director, to meet its goals. If some members aren’t committed, other board members could become frustrated and then disengage. By proactively working to keep board members informed and engaged, nonprofit leaders can keep the organization moving forward to best serve its mission.

5 Ways to Keep Nonprofit Board Members Engaged 

Here are five ways nonprofits can keep their board members interested and informed:

1. Provide a communication channel for board members
Remaining involved with the nonprofit between meetings, especially at those that hold quarterly meetings, is one of the best ways for board members to stay engaged. By having a way for the entire board to communicate with each other throughout the year, board members can continue discussions that started at a meeting, as well as share new ideas. Leadership can also use the channel to keep the board updated on happenings at the organization and solicit feedback. The communication channel can also be used for informal votes, as needed, between meetings.

When selecting a communication channel, nonprofits should poll their board members to determine which channel the group feels most comfortable with. Some may prefer email, while others may find that a collaboration tool, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, works best for them. If your nonprofit has any compliance regulations, make sure that the channel meets any security requirements.

2. Keep the mission top of mind
Nonprofits need their board members to feel connected and care about the organization’s mission between meetings, which can be challenging since most members hold demanding jobs and have busy lives. Because most members are on the board because they feel called to the mission, nonprofits should regularly share updates about the impact the organization is having in the community.

For example, if a nonprofit serving homeless veterans helped get a record number of clients into temporary housing last month, the positive news should be shared on the board’s communication channel.

Leaders should also look for ways for board members to interact with people who benefit from their work, such as having people whose lives have been changed speak at board meetings. Whenever the nonprofit receives a thank-you letter from someone whose life was changed by their work, share it with the board members, as well.

3. Hold working sessions between meetings
Board members’ engagement also increases when they develop relationships with each other, as well as employees of the nonprofit. However, connecting with others can be challenging during formal board meetings. By encouraging committees and task forces to meet between official meetings, you can both keep the nonprofit front of mind and help members get to know each other.

The less frequent the official board meetings occur, the more important working sessions are to the success of the organization. Consider holding working sessions at the nonprofit location, when possible, to help the members stay connected to the culture and mission.

4. Help board members share the nonprofit’s mission
Board members often have an extensive network of well-connected professional colleagues and personal friends. Engaged board members are more likely to reach out to their circle, which often results in increased participation and donations. They can also help the nonprofit find new opportunities, such as media stories and endorsements through their circle.

When it’s easy for board members to share about the nonprofit, they’re more likely to reach out, in general. Consider creating templates and scripts for board members for each new campaign or outreach effort that include key points of emphasis. For example, nonprofits can create a Facebook post or tweet about an upcoming event that board members can quickly customize and post.

For specific requests, such as a donation drive, leaders can provide board members with a script to use when talking with their networks. Be sure to leave space for board members to customize their outreach, such as adding in their personal reason for involvement with the organization.

5. Share budget details and materials before meetings
Board members need to have a solid understanding of the current state of the organization before each meeting so they can have questions and ideas prepared. Leaders should provide them with materials about any programs or policies that will be voted on during the meeting at least a week (preferably longer) before the board meets.

If the budget will be approved or discussed, all the details need to be sent ahead of time so board members can thoroughly complete their due diligence. Organizations may consider having a financial representative available before the meeting to provide answers to any member questions, so they can attend the meeting ready to vote and move forward.

Partnering with nonprofits 

Because nonprofits have unique needs and challenges, organizations are increasingly partnering with financial institutions with extensive experience with nonprofits. With products such as flexible leasing solutions and treasury management solutions, specifically designed for nonprofits, leaders can feel confident that they are making the best financial decisions possible. By having a financial partner with the knowledge, experience, and services that help nonprofits achieve their mission, leaders can focus on what they do best — serving their community.

At Wintrust, our experienced team is ready to partner with you so your nonprofit can have the financial security it needs.