Need New Board Members? Here are Seven Things You Can Do to Make Recruiting More Effective
Recruiting new board members for a nonprofit can be a challenging task. As of 2023, there are over 9,000 domestic charities that each need five board members in the state of New Hampshire alone and three each for Vermont. (That’s 45,000 people!) Below are some ideas to help attract qualified and passionate individuals to join the organization's board.
• Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of board members and communicate them in recruitment materials. Provide them a training packet. Let them know what they should expect for time commitment. This will help potential board members understand what is expected of them and what they can contribute.
• Develop a recruitment plan that includes a timeline, target audiences, and messaging.
• Identify potential candidates through personal networks, social media, and industry associations.
• Create a matrix or tool to access what type of skills are needed to fill any knowledge gaps or expertise on the board.
• Ask existing board members to help identify potential candidates and share information about the organization and the board's work.
• Use social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to share information about the organization and the board's work. Consider using targeted ads to reach potential candidates. Local nonprofit societies often have "help wanted" posting options for board members.
• Attend networking events, conferences, and workshops to meet potential candidates and share information about the organization. Ask your banking institutions and local companies for volunteers. Many larger companies allow staff to take paid time to volunteer in their communities.
• Partner with other organizations in the community to identify potential board members who may have a shared interest in the nonprofit's mission.
• Recognize board members' contributions to the organization and communicate the impact of their work. Reduce turnover by making sure quieter members have an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way.