Should I Join a Nonprofit Board?

Joining a nonprofit board is an important decision that comes with both rewards and responsibilities. It offers a unique opportunity to tangibly contribute to a cause you are passionate about, but does require committing time and potentially money and taking on certain responsibilities and duties.

Below are a few considerations for anyone thinking about joining a Board of Directors, along with a checklist of items to ask for and review before joining a Board. [Jump to the Checklist by clicking Here].  Conducting a self evaluation and conducting your own due diligence of the organization are important steps to take before committing to being on a nonprofit’s Board of Directors.  

1. Alignment with Mission and Values

Ensure that the organization’s mission and values align with your own. This may be the easiest consideration to answer because you likely sought out the organization based on the work they do or your previous interactions with them. However, this alignment is crucial for long-term satisfaction and effectiveness in your role.  Additionally, many non-profits seek out Board Members with lived experience related to their Mission and/or identities that are important to their work.  Often they will have a policy or Board Development Plan available that speaks to equity, inclusion, belonging, and diversity.

Before joining: ask yourself if you align with the mission and values of the organization.

2. Time Commitment

Board membership requires your dedication and a time commitment. The time commitment can vary greatly by organization. Boards of smaller organizations often require more administrative and managerial support, whereas larger organizations have staff to take these responsibilities and tasks. 

To give a better idea of what you will spend time on, here are a few key activities: 

• Reviewing and memorizing elevator pitch(s) for the organization

• Reviewing and offering feedback on proposals, grants, or other fundraising documents

• Reviewing and offering feedback on administrative Board materials like the bylaws and policies

• Participation in planning sessions for the organization’s growth and development

• Reviewing and approving key staff’s compensation 

• Reviewing and responding to electronic voting 

• Ensuring you are adhering to fiduciary responsibilities (see below)

• Seeking, managing, or alerting staff to the need for external expertise from accountants, lawyers, public relations specialists, and the like. 

  
  

Before joining: ask yourself if you have the time to dedicate to the organization. To get a better sense of the time you might need to commit, ask other known board members and/or the organization’s leadership to provide a good faith estimate of time required in the first year. Consider whether you can realistically dedicate the necessary time without compromising your personal or professional responsibilities.

3. Financial Contribution 

Many organizations expect board members to contribute financially to the organization. This could be through direct donations or fundraising efforts, which is also known as a give-or-get policy. Give-get policies are those that require a board member to either donate or raise a certain dollar amount each year.  You can ask to see the Board’s policies related to give-get, or ask the Board Chair if there are any financial contribution expectations. Once you understand the expected financial commitment, consider whether it aligns with your capacity and willingness to financially support the organization.

Before joining: Ask yourself if you are prepared to meet the organization’s expectations on financial contributions. 

4. Skill and Experience Contribution

Organizations often rely on the skills and experience of its board members. Evaluate what skills and experiences you can bring to the board against what the organization’s needs are, if they are known. Some organizations may not do a skill set analysis, in which case you can try to have an honest conversation with the existing directors on your value-add.  While nonprofits benefit from a diverse range of expertise, including financial, legal, marketing, and strategic planning skills, often the board has areas it needs more than others.  

Before joining: Ask yourself if you are bringing contributions or expertise the board needs? 

5. Advocacy and Public Support

As a board member, you will likely be expected to be a vocal advocate for the nonprofit. This involves promoting the organization's work, representing it in various forums, and helping to raise its profile publicly. Your name will be listed in the organization’s 990 tax form and you will be a publicly associated with the organization for the duration of your time on the board.  

Inquire with the Board Chair about the expectations for using your platforms to promote the nonprofit’s mission. Consider your willingness and ability to be a public face and voice for the cause.

Before joining: Ask yourself if you are prepared to meet the organization’s expectations on public advocacy for the organization and its mission. 

6. Financial Risk - Legal and Fiduciary Responsibilities

Board members have legal responsibilities, including “fiduciary duties” prescribed by state law, such as duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty of obedience. 

These duties generally mean acting in the organization's best interests, ensuring the organization has a prudent use of assets for the charitable mission, avoiding and managing conflicts of interest, and helping the organization stay in compliance with laws and regulations. 

Failure to do so could put the organization at risk and/or put your personal assets at risk if your negligence and misconduct is egregious enough. 

To reduce legal risk, most states let organizations protect board members from being personally liable for decisions made in good faith while doing their jobs (called “indemnification”). Organizations should also have directors and officers (D&O) insurance, which helps cover legal costs for board members, though it typically won’t apply if a director acts dishonestly or violates their fiduciary duties.

Before joining: Ask yourself if you are prepared to meet your fiduciary duties. Also ask for confirmation that the organization maintains a D&O insurance policy. 

7. Reputational Risk & Sharing Personal Information

Once you join the Board of Directors, your name will be tied to the organization, for better or for worse. It is highly recommended that you do your due diligence on the organization to ensure you are aware of their operations, any current legal or financial issues that might be pending as well as positions on any current events that might lead to an event or controversy. Consider the implications of whether any findings on the organization could have a negative public relations event based on your knowledge in the space. 

Additionally, serving on a board will require you to share personal information for governance processes and possibly for registrations.  Especially in internationally operating nonprofits, you will likely be asked to share your driver license and passport. You may also be asked to provide notarized copies of these documents. 

Your name will also appear on the nonprofit IRS Form 990, which is a public facing document that requires the list of all the names of the Directors. Consider your comfort level with disclosing such information before joining the Board. 

Before joining: Ask yourself if you are prepared to have your name and personal information associated with the nonprofit? 

Conclusion & Checklist 

Joining a nonprofit Board requires careful balance of personal passion for the cause, ability to contribute time, resources, and, potentially, money, and the willingness to take on the required responsibilities, particularly, fiduciary responsibility. Before making a decision to join a board, thoroughly consider these factors to ensure that your board membership is fulfilling and effective in advancing the nonprofit's mission. 

Below is a checklist of questions to ask yourself and organizational documents you should review while taking into account these crucial considerations before you commit to being on a Board. Being on a nonprofit board can be such rewarding work and will go so much smoother when everyone is on the same page regarding expectations.  

CHECKLIST FOR QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE JOINING THE BOARD

• if you align with the mission and values of the organization.

• if you have the time to dedicate to the organization.

• if you are prepared to meet the organization’s expectations on financial contributions. 

• if you are bringing contributions or expertise the board needs. 

• if you are prepared to meet the organization’s expectations on public advocacy for the organization and its mission. 

• if you are prepared to meet your fiduciary duties. 

• if you are prepared to have your name and personal information associated with the nonprofit? 

CHECKLIST FOR ITEMS TO ASK THE ORGANIZATION TO PROVIDE BEFORE JOINING THE BOARD 

• Incorporating Document such as Articles of Formation or Certificate of Incorporation

• Bylaws and any other governing documents such as Principles of Governance and Committee Charters if you are serving on any Committee

• A copy of the organization’s 1023 Application and IRS Tax Exempt Letter

• A copy of the last IRS Form 990 (also can be found online at https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/tax-exempt-organization-search )

• A copy of the last audited (or reviewed) financial statement, if available  

• A copy of the annual Budget

• Policies applicable to the Board or Board Handbook/Manual 

  • Conflict of Interest Policy

  • Give-Get Policy 

  • Volunteer Agreement or other Board Member Code of Conduct 

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies

• Minutes from the last 2 Board meetings 

• Directors and Officers Insurance

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. We recommend consulting with a qualified counselor, accountant, or attorney to ensure full compliance with all relevant laws and to address specific legal concerns.