Do Well-Known Community Leaders Belong on Your Nonprofit Board?
When we glance over a list of nonprofit organization trustees or fundraising event committee members, our eye will pause when we see a name that rings a bell. It is a natural response, and one that is likely to spark a stronger connection with the cause. For that very reason, many nonprofits work to build positive relationships with well-known community leaders, with the goal of inviting them to serve in a board or committee member capacity.
There are other potential benefits to bringing community leaders into the fold. By virtue of their position and public-facing work, these individuals help solidify the nonprofit’s role as part of the fabric of the community, making its work visible in addition to essential. Community leaders, who are by nature great networkers, can help the organization build a broader network of connections to support fundraising, sourcing services and supplies, and building volunteer teams.
Sounds great, right? Before you jump in, however, let’s take a minute to consider the potential pitfalls – and how to avoid them.
First, don’t let the prospect of engaging a prominent community figure cause you to throw due diligence out the window. Individuals who are front and center at community events, and who seem to know everyone in town, should be subject to the same thoughtful consideration as any other viable candidate for board membership.
Second, consider – and communicate clearly – what you really want out of this relationship. Perhaps your main goal is to include a recognizable name on your letterhead or event invitation. That in itself has value, signaling an endorsement that carries weight. Maybe you would also like this person to assist by leveraging their networks on your organization’s behalf. Or do you want to go even deeper, securing a prominent board volunteer who will make your nonprofit a priority for their volunteer service and support?
If that is the case, it is advisable to explore how many other boards, committees, commissions, etc. on which the prospective board member already serves. If the individual is overcommitted, they may find it difficult to focus their time, talent, and financial support, not to mention their network, on your organization. This may be especially true of a community leader who is elected or appointed to serve the entire community.
Get started by leveraging current board volunteers who are in a position to build relationships with well-known community leaders. Begin the conversation by exploring mutual goals for a potential partnership. You are aiming for a dialogue that asks:
Why is this community leader interested in becoming involved with our organization?
How do they believe their participation can help advance our work?
How does their involvement intersect with their personal/career goals?
What does our organization want from this relationship? Business connections? Leadership expertise? Or just name recognition?
What is the candidate willing to give in terms of connections, expertise, and publicity?
Once you feel you have brought the reasoning of both parties into alignment, determine how the community leader will fit into your existing board. You have worked hard to find the right roles for your board members. What role will this new candidate play? Take extra time to consider also where potential conflicts of interest can arise, as this candidate’s commitments might be very different than those of a more “typical” board candidate.
Remember that it is okay if, after much discussion and careful consideration, it turns out that a particular community leader is not a good fit for full board membership. After all, board involvement is too precious to spend on someone who is not in a position to give the role all it deserves. And there is another option.
Advisory boards and committees are great strategies for tapping resources and connections without incurring the heavier responsibilities of board service. These are invited, not elected, roles that allow you to reap the benefits of a volunteer’s networks without worrying about whether or not they have the bandwidth to fill board leadership obligations. An advisory board is also a great recruiting tool for future board members. The advisory arrangement gives both parties an opportunity to learn more about each other and to determine if a more formal board role is a good fit.
Whether your outreach to community leaders results in new board members, advisory volunteers, or even just the addition of a few names on your letterhead, connecting with those at the forefront of your community will benefit your organization. They can be valuable partners in lifting up your mission and bringing your work to the attention of donors, volunteers, and to the community members who need your organization’s programs and services.
The More Than Giving Co. can help you build the right board for your organization.
Schedule a call today to learn how we can help.