by Todd Pheifer

Created on: February 02, 2008

NONPROFITS NEED GOOD BOARD MEMBERS TOO

The nonprofit organization has many traits of the standard business setting, but there are certainly differences that require a varied mindset when selecting board members. The selection of board members in any setting should be done with care, but the nonprofit can be particularly susceptible to instability. Therefore, board members should have specific traits in order to ensure success.

LOOK AT THE HEART

The concept of "heart" can be a bit cliche from an organizational standpoint, but it is appropriate to consider, particularly in a setting where the mission of the organization supports a particular cause or movement. Oftentimes a nonprofit is designed around a specific mission and the staff members work there because they "believe" in what they do. This should also apply to board members. Sometimes board members are simply people who are good administrators or proven leaders who can lend their expertise to any organization. While it is not required that a board member in a non-profit be a "true-believer" it certainly helps for them to be invested in the mission, particularly if they find themselves in situations where they will be championing the cause of the organization.

FUND RAISING AND FRIEND RAISING

Another key aspect of effective board members is finding people who can promote the organization. Even nonprofit organizations need funding, and this sometimes comes from donations and sponsors. It helps to have board members who are comfortable asking for money and being a face for the organization in order to network and gain support. This can come through simply asking for financial support but it can also come through conveying the mission and importance of the nonprofit so that they can build on their reputation and expand on awareness in the community.

LEADERS, NOT FOLLOWERS

Finally, it is always important to select board members who understand organizational behavior and who can guide the nonprofit into the future. Having people who believe in the cause and who can promote the organization are crucial, but you also need people who understand the ebbs and flows of organizational dynamics. Otherwise, all that vision and funding may find itself meandering aimlessly without effectiveness.

SUMMARY

Board members for nonprofit organizations can be a crucial part of the success both in the present and the future. Overall, the nonprofit should look for people who display the above traits, but who can also work together and compliment one another. It may not be possible to find all these traits in each person, so it is important that strengths be meshed in order to create a cohesive board that will develop the organization and lead it to success.

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