Qualities of Effective Board Members

Establishing a nonprofit board of directors is essentially a two-step process. First you must choose your board's structure and then recruit your board members.

Step 2: Recruit Board Members

An effective nonprofit board of directors requires effective board members. When setting up a board of directors for your nonprofit organization, equip your board with individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:

• Integrity.  Effective board members are committed to an "above-board" organization that complies with all laws on all governmental levels.
  
  
• Strategy. Board members prepare and adhere to a sound strategic plan that provides measurable goals and ensures ongoing financial resources to support the organization's staffing and programs.
  
  
• Service. Board members faithfully attend board meetings and special organizational events. They talk with staff members and clients, and sound out problems that need fixing or issues that must be addressed.
  
  
• Commitment. Board members demonstrate their faith in the organization through personal financial contributions.
  
  
• Preparation. Board members do their homework; they come to meetings informed and ready to discuss concerns, questions and disagreements about organizational methods and goals.
  
  
• Enthusiasm. Board members are eager to learn, willing to be team players, and energetic in their service.
  
  
• Scrutiny. Board members audit their records regularly and in detail.
  
  
• Knowledge. Board members know the organization's mission and purpose, and understand how its programs and services support the organization's strategic plan.
  
  
• Diplomacy. Board members represent the best of the organization, and mediate appropriately between the organization and the community it serves.
  
  
• Focus. Board members direct the organization toward its goals without getting tied down in details or sidetracked by non-crucial issues.
  
  
• Diversity. An effective board includes and involves members from various fields of expertise, with applicable degrees of organizational experience, to ensure that the organization is well balanced in its strengths.
  
  
• Accountability. Each board member has a unique function on the board. Board members accept responsibility for their functions and for their actions.
  
  
• Dependence. Board members acknowledge the value of the organization's staff and the need for committed, consistent volunteers.

Find out more about Step 1: Choosing Your Board's Structure.