Hint: It Might Be Your Board of Directors

Hey Nonprofit Leader, What's Keeping You Awake at Night?

This is the first in a series of posts about nonprofit boards—how to recruit the right members, their roles and responsibilities, and, yes, how to evaluate their effectiveness. Because let’s be honest—an engaged, informed board can be a dream, while an uninformed, uninvested board? Well, that’s the stuff of nonprofit nightmares.

Before You Say "Yes" to a Board Seat… Ask These Questions

Nonprofit leaders often ask me where to find great board members, but today, let’s flip the script. Let’s talk to potential board members—those who have already been invited to serve. Before you enthusiastically say yes, there are some crucial questions you should ask—both of the organization and yourself.

1. Why You? Understanding the “Three W’s”

Most organizations seek board members who bring one (or more) of the Three W’s:Wisdom – Specialized expertise (law, finance, nonprofit management)Wealth – The ability to give personally or leverage connections to secure donationsWork – The willingness to roll up your sleeves (think stuffing envelopes, staffing events, or making calls to donors)

So, ask them: Why did you ask me? What role do they see you playing? Are you expected to fundraise? Serve on a specific committee? Bring a certain expertise to the table? Clarity upfront saves headaches later.

2. Let’s Talk Money—The Board’s Financial Role

A common misconception is that finances are the treasurer’s problem. Nope! As a board member, you have a fiduciary duty—meaning every board member shares responsibility for the financial health of the organization.

Before joining, ask to see:Last year’s financial statement (a.k.a. "Statement of Financial Position")The Profit & Loss (P&L) statementThis year’s budget-to-actuals

Then, ask yourself: Can I read and understand these documents? If not, now is a great time to learn! Resources like Board Source or a simple Google search can help.

3. Are You Passionate About the Mission?

As a board member, you’re expected to be an ambassador—which means representing the organization at events, talking to potential donors, and advocating for the cause. If the mission doesn’t excite you, it might not be the right fit.

Ask yourself: Does this align with my values? Will I be proud to represent this organization at a chamber mixer or a fundraising gala? Passion matters.

4. What Are the Biggest Challenges?

Before you commit, dig a little deeper:What are the organization’s biggest challenges right now?What are the biggest challenges for the board itself?Are there term limits? (Hot take: Nonprofit boards without term limits can lead to stagnation.)Do they have Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance? (Non-negotiable! This protects board members’ personal assets from legal claims.)

If they don’t have D&O insurance… well, you might want to reconsider your involvement.

5. Conflict of Interest: Are They Playing Fair?

A solid board has a written conflict of interest policy (in fact, it’s a required question on the IRS Form 990). Every year, board members should disclose any potential conflicts—like a board member who owns a business that provides services similar to the nonprofit’s programs.

Ask: Is there a policy in place? Do board members complete an annual disclosure form? If not, that’s a red flag.

6. What’s the Commitment?

Board service is more than just showing up to a few meetings. Ask:How often does the board meet? (And can I commit to attending?)What committees exist? Which ones might I be expected to join?

Nonprofit boards often have executive, finance, governance, fundraising, communications, and audit committees—each requiring additional meetings and work. Make sure you know what you’re signing up for!

Final Thought: A Recipe for Restful Nights

Serving on a nonprofit board can be one of the most rewarding experiences—if you go in with your eyes wide open. I’ve served on both small and large boards, and I’ve given my time, talent, and (limited) treasure with joy. But it’s important to make sure it’s the right fit before you commit.

So, before you say yes, ask the tough questions, do your homework, and make sure you’re setting yourself—and the organization—up for success. Then, you can rest easy knowing you’re making a meaningful impact.

Now, sleep tight, nonprofit leaders!