Tips for Engaging Your Board Members
September 10, 2025 | Read Time: 1 minute
An effective board of directors is a major asset, but a lackluster one can hold a nonprofit back from its full potential. The ideal nonprofit board should comprise a range of expertise, demonstrate full commitment to the organization’s success, and possess the ability to raise money to ensure a promising future.
Experts say the single best quality to look for in a board prospect is a personal investment in your cause. “You need to find people who are passionate, who can literally light people’s souls on fire about the mission, the cause that you’re fighting for,” says Jeremy Cramer, founder and CEO of Exponential Philanthropy.
This collection of stories will help you build a strong board — and empower trustees to govern well.
Editor’s note: Chronicle playbooks are updated on an ongoing basis as new advice becomes available.
How to turn board members into confident fundraisers
Many trustees freeze when asked to bring in gifts. Experts say clear expectations and training can turn them into effective ambassadors for your nonprofit.
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How to Create a Culture of Fundraising on Your Board
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Nonprofit Leaders: Here’s How to Recruit Board Members — Even in a Crisis
How to make a better pitch to candidates for board service and six ways to improve recruitment overall.
Why Money Shouldn’t Trump Mission When Choosing Board Members
When nonprofits fill their boards with megawealthy people, mission suffers and differing viewpoints are lacking. Here’s why economic diversity among trustees is good for nonprofits…
How to Identify First-Rate Board Members
A guide to choosing trustees outlines the characteristics that make the best candidates and offers tips for judging important intangible qualities.
12 Ways to Be Sure Your Board Is Active and Committed to Your Cause
Steps any nonprofit can take to involve its trustees more fully in fundraising and governance.
A Sample Form for Outlining a Board Member’s Responsibilities
Use this sample to craft an agreement with your trustees that outlines a board member’s responsibilities to your organization.
How to Fix 5 Common Board-Meeting Problems
By making the most of members’ time and energy during meetings, you can help trustees better serve your nonprofit.
