by Doreen Martel

Created on: July 07, 2009   Last Updated: January 18, 2012

Many nonprofit organizations board of directors do not understand their roles. Many board of directors of nonprofit organizations are comprised of volunteers.  Sadly, a lack of information can lead to a lack of understanding of their roles.  This includes how much they can (and should) influence the direction of the nonprofit organization. One of the first things that a person serving on a board of directors should do is review the nonprofits by-laws and any job descriptions available. If these are not provided when elected or appointed to a board, they should be requested.

Misnomers about volunteer boards

One common excuse for volunteer board of directors members is that they should not be forced to do anything. They are after all, volunteers. Nothing could be further from the truth. Once a person accepts a board of directors role, they lose the option to cry "I'm a volunteer" since a board position is one that requires dedication and leadership. Board of directors members can (and are) be replaced, even on all volunteer boards.

Assigning primary roles

The primary role of a board of directors in a nonprofit organization is to ensure that the nonprofit is meeting their goals and abiding by their mission statement. This is the primary role of each person serving on the board. The board of directors influences the direction of a nonprofit by recommendations that include (but are not limited to) fund-raising activities, event planning, election of officers and often more importantly, public image.

Reviewing roles of members

Fund-raising activities are most often one of the primary roles of a board of director member in a nonprofit organization. Fund-raising for many nonprofit organizations is their lifeblood.. Without this important activity they would not be able to meet their stated goals. Board of directors members are often asked to run fund-raising campaigns through special events, mass mailings and even cold calls. Without the ability to sustain a strong balance sheet, many nonprofit organizations would simply cease to exist, leaving people who may need their services in a precarious position.

Event planning as a role

Event planning does not always refer to fund-raising (although some event planning would be necessary). Events such as public relations events, community outreach events and other similar events help keep the community at large aware of the works of a nonprofit organization. Having a board of directors involved directly in event planning

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