5 tips for joining a nonprofit board

You can make an even greater impact as a donor when you join a charity’s board, and with these tips, you’ll be prepared for success.

Maybe you’ve been giving to an organization for a while and are interested in expanding your involvement by joining its board of directors. Or perhaps you’ve been approached by an acquaintance to join the board of their favorite charity. In fact, nearly half of Fidelity Charitable donors who volunteer do so by serving on the board of a nonprofit organization. It can be a rewarding experience—and an opportunity to have an even greater impact on a cause than you would as a donor alone.

But it’s also a significant responsibility.

"Board members aren’t there to just provide oversight; they set the strategic direction and serve as the ultimate source of accountability for the organization’s purpose,” said Cheretta Clerkley, associate vice president of content and co-created expertise at BoardSource. “It is where the strategic commitment to the mission is finalized.”

Before you decide to say yay or nay to serving on a board, consider the following tips.

1. Understand a board member’s responsibilities—and know if you’re willing to commit to them

"Board members should view their service through the lens of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership (PDBL), which involves four core principles that drive thinking and action,” Clerkley said. “This means balancing the governing role of making expertise-based decisions with being an active volunteer and a dedicated ambassador. When you are out in the community, you protect and increase the organization’s greatest resource—its reputation—by speaking with an informed, intelligent, and purpose-driven voice.”

You’ll need to be prepared to shoulder not only the time commitment involved but also the fiduciary and legal responsibilities of board membership. You should understand the expectations related to fundraising and financial contributions as well.

Clerkley recommended that nonprofits put these expectations into writing for board members, helping to ensure that both individuals and the organization have a shared record of how they will uphold PDBL principles.

2. Do your homework on the nonprofit before taking a board seat

You would never accept a job without first researching the company, and the same should hold true when considering a nonprofit board position. Research allows you to enter the role with open eyes, whether you are helping turn around an organization or joining one that is stable.

Start by reading the nonprofit’s governance bylaws to understand the board’s structure and meeting frequency. Clerkley also suggested reviewing board meeting minutes and financial statements to see how the organization manages its resources and programs.

The meeting minutes can be particularly telling. “What are they talking about?” Clerkley asked. “If the discussion is focused on tactical details like gala decorations rather than the real governance work and strategic issues facing the organization’s future, the board may not yet be operating under a purpose-driven model.”

3. Identify the expertise you will bring to the boardroom

Having passion for a cause is an asset, but as a board member, it’s important to understand how your specific expertise can move the organization forward, Clerkley said.

“Purpose-driven boards seek to be inclusive of diverse backgrounds and thoughts. Find a place where your unique expertise is needed and where you can contribute a perspective that’s not already represented. This ensures the board has the diverse perspectives necessary to navigate complex challenges.”

4. Do a trial run before you commit to a term on the board

If you haven’t been involved with the organization’s projects in the past, start small by attending committee meetings or helping plan a board-involved function.

“This allows you to ask yourself if the culture and time commitment align with your values,” Clerkley noted. “It also gives the organization a chance to see your skills in action, ensuring both parties can meaningfully direct the charity’s mission.”

5. Listen and learn before acting

Even long-term volunteers at an organization may be surprised by what they learn in a governance role. Spend time listening first before proposing any major changes.

“In the spirit of humility, ask questions at first, instead of making statements,” Clerkley suggested. “Start by asking, ‘Have we thought about this before?’ rather than, ‘You should do this.’”

Finally, be sure your involvement remains strategic. “Your job is to govern, not to manage day-to-day operations,” Clerkley said. “The board’s responsibility is to think strategically about program performance and resource allocation, while letting the CEO manage the work of getting it done.”