How to Become a Member of a Nonprofit Board of Directors

Do you have a passion for helping people in need? Are you tired of feeling helpless when it comes to overcoming challenges in your community? Are you looking for an opportunity to make a lasting change? If this sounds like you, keep reading. Nonprofits are in need of people like you to help guide their organization. Becoming a member of a nonprofit board of directors (or “board”) can be a great way to fulfill your desire to be of service to others.

If this is something you are interested in, but don’t know where to start, GrantWatch has put together a list of steps to take to land a position on the board of a nonprofit. Hopefully, these tips will prove useful in guiding you on the right path to making the world a better place.

1. Understand the Role

Before you do anything, you want to make sure you fully understand the role of a member on a nonprofit board. You shouldn’t go into the position blindly. It can be a fulfilling job, both personally and professionally, but it also involves a commitment of time and energy. Making sure you know the requirements of the position will also help you prepare to interview for the part to make sure your best features ‘shine through’ to show you have the qualifications necessary for the job.

Some details you’ll want to know about in advance would include the term length of the position and meeting schedules, as well as day-to-day tasks.

2. Locate Organizations in Your Area

Once you have taken some time to delve into the obligations attached to this role, the next step is to locate nonprofit organizations in your area. Making a list of the nonprofits near you will give you a good idea of where to start.

3. Research to Find the Perfect Fit

Next, you will need to research the nonprofits on your list to see which ones best align with your interests and values. Look at the types of projects each has done in the past. This will help you understand the different types of nonprofit boards, including the communities they prioritize, so you can see if the work they do is something you want to be part of.

When researching nonprofits, also look into their financial history and governance structure. GrantWatch provides a valuable resource by featuring 990 forms, which contain some financial information and lists some of the members of each nonprofit board. Reviewing these forms can give you insights into the organization’s financial health and the composition of the various boards. This information can help you make an informed decision when considering which nonprofits to pursue for board membership.

4. Reach Out to the Nonprofit

Once you research the nonprofits in your area and have ranked them according to your interests, the next step is to reach out to your top choices to see if they have any openings. Even if there are no current openings, it is important to reach out to nonprofits early to make connections. The connections themselves could prove to be invaluable later on. They will also help you remain at the forefront of the minds of the decision-makers of any given nonprofit when they are considering people for future board openings.

NOTE: In many cases, it is the Board that reaches out to invite the individual to join them. In those cases, even though you wouldn’t need to reach out to them(to apply, there may still be a need to prepare for an ‘interview-type’ step (albeit not as formal). In any event, you would still want to research a nonprofit to determine whether or not it is the ‘type’ of organization you want to be part of.

5. Apply & Interview

After determining which nonprofits have open board seats, you will then need to begin filling out applications to get ready for the interview process. This step can be a little different from one nonprofit to another. However, there are several tips to keep in mind during this stage.

First, be prepared to answer why you are passionate about a specific nonprofit and its mission. If there is a personal reason, this would be the time to share that with the interviewer. Next, more than likely, you will also need to submit a resume and cover letter, as well as references, so it is crucial you have these documents prepared in advance.

Also, make sure to compile a list of the skills and experiences you feel would be (most) beneficial for the nonprofit. It would be helpful during the interview process to have notes prepared to refer to if you get stuck. In as much detail as possible, you’ll want to show the nonprofit what ways you plan to contribute (to the organization) and why you will be an asset. If you have any community affiliations, this would likely be the time to discuss this.

6. Have a Back-up Plan

If there are no current open board positions for which you could be considered, it’s important to be open to alternatives. Be patient. Keep in mind that even though you might not immediately be able to join a board, there are likely other options. Some nonprofits have junior boards you can initially be a part of. You could also inquire about joining a committee for the time being or volunteering at an event being hosted by the nonprofit. This will let you get a feel for the political and social environment of a nonprofit. It will also allow them the chance to get to know you. This could be helpful when space does open up, as they will already know of your interest and will already have a good sense of your abilities.

Overall, working with a nonprofit can be a great opportunity. Not only will it help hone your skills and experiences, but it will also allow you to help people and make a difference. Hopefully, these tips point you in the right direction and help you get one step closer to becoming a member of a nonprofit board of directors.

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