Getting the most out of your board: 5 strategies to best leverage your board members

Nonprofit board members are an organization’s greatest asset, yet for many nonprofits, they remain one of the least leveraged. While many boards meet quarterly, listen to updates, approve a few motions, and disappear until the next meeting, high-performing organizations recognize the board as a strategic asset—a network, an amplifier, an accountability partner, and a fundraising force multiplier.

The good news is that most board members want to help; they simply need direction. When nonprofits clearly define expectations, offer meaningful ways to engage, and foster a culture of trust and accountability, board members become agents of change. They bring networks, expertise, credibility, and perspective that staff alone don't replicate.

Leveraging a board effectively is not just a best practice; it’s a strategic advantage.

This article will explore how nonprofits can tap into the full potential of the passionate leaders already sitting around their table.

1. Clarify the board’s core roles

Ideally, your board is a diverse group, including people who may not have served on a board before. Whether they are veterans or new to the team, you should provide guidance and clarity about their role.

You can break out the board's contribution into three key dimensions:

1. Governance: Ensuring mission alignment, compliance, and financial oversight.
2. Strategy: Providing direction, vision, and big-picture thinking.
3. Resource development: Opening doors, making introductions, fundraising, and ambassador work.

Spend time articulating your vision and the board's role in each area, and ensure they are aware of the expectations up front.

2. Give board members a clear, actionable playbook

Board members want to help, but they often don’t know where to start. Creating a clear set of actionable steps your board members can follow is super helpful! When you present clear expectations upfront, you’ll find you have a dramatically more productive board.

The following are some common ways board members can jump in and help:

Fundraising & donor engagement:

• Make personal annual gifts (set expectations upfront).
• Introduce the organization to their networks through warm handoffs.
• Host small gatherings or donor cultivation events.
• Thank donors personally—handwritten notes or quick calls.
• Share impact stories on social media or LinkedIn.

Visibility & advocacy

• Leverage their professional networks and influence.
• Represent the organization at community events.
• Recruit new board members.

Strategic support

• Participate in strategic planning.
• Serve on committees based on their expertise.
• Provide thought partnership on finance, marketing, legal, HR, etc.

3. Strengthen board–staff partnership

To put it simply, the relationship between your board and staff is the grease that keeps the many wheels of your organization moving. Your staff shouldn't have hesitations about the board's participation or oversight. They should look at your board members as key partners to leverage.

To facilitate this relationship, provide opportunities for your board and staff to interact. It’s important for your board members to connect with people running your organization. In turn, executive directors should coach board members as a team, openly communicating goals, feedback, and follow-up.

4. Accountability

To foster a culture of accountability, high-performing boards use KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure board engagement. KPIs help track how well board members fulfill their responsibilities and contribute to the organization’s success.

Some of these trackable indicators include:

• Meeting attendance rate (e.g., attends at least 75% of meetings)
• Committee participation or leadership roles
• Responsiveness to communications and requests
• Personal annual giving (meeting a “give or get” expectation)
• Number of donor introductions made
• Participation in fundraising events or campaigns
• Number of thank-you calls or stewardship actions completed
• Participation in strategic planning
• Completion of annual board training or onboarding
• Contribution of expertise (legal, financial, HR, marketing, etc.)
• Timely review of financials, budgets, and governance materials

KPIs help nonprofits set clear expectations, ensure all board members pull their weight, and build a more effective and strategic board.

5. Empower the board chair

A well-functioning chair can make or break your board, so it is imperative that you set them up for success.

Facilitating strong relationships and effective communication between your chair and your executive director equips them to make informed decisions and empowers them to lead with confidence and leverage.

Encourage your chair to run meetings strategically, focusing on needle-moving actions rather than operations. A productive board focuses on governance, not micromanagement.

It is essential that the chair sets the tone for fundraising participation and involvement.

Treat your board like an asset

With a fully activated and engaged board, your organization will be productive, well-connected, and well supported. Lean on your board. When fully equipped, they are a major asset. Remove any hurdles that prevent your team from collaborating with the board, and see how vital the board becomes to your organization’s success.

If you’d like more tips on engaging your board, feel free to schedule time with one of our team members! We’d love to chat with you! Click here to get on our calendars.