If you’re leading a nonprofit, you already know how important your board of directors is to your organization’s success. But let’s face it: many boards struggle to recruit the right talent. It’s often the same old story—relying on a few trusted networks, waiting until the last minute to recruit, or ending up with members who may not have the right skills to propel the organization forward.
The key issue? A limited talent pipeline. Boards typically don’t have a consistent, proactive approach to finding new board members. Instead, they scramble when someone steps down or term limits come up. This reactive approach is risky, limiting the board’s potential, reducing diversity, and ultimately slowing the organization’s growth. In fact, according to a 2021 BoardSource report, 43% of nonprofit boards said their biggest challenge is finding new members with the right skillsets.
But there’s good news: overcoming the “limited talent pipeline” isn’t just possible—it’s essential for your organization’s long-term health. Here’s how to do it, along with practical actions to take today.
- Broaden Your Recruitment Strategy
Let’s be real: many boards rely too much on the same small circles. Your executive director, existing board members, or even major donors are often tasked with recruiting new board members, and they’re likely turning to the same people they know. This creates a talent pipeline that’s shallow, homogeneous, and ineffective.
Why It Matters
According to a survey by Leading with Intent, only 28% of board members in nonprofit organizations identify as people of color. If you’re not diversifying your recruitment channels, you’re missing out on voices that could bring fresh ideas, perspectives, and connections to the table.
Two Practical Actions:
Build relationships outside of your usual networks. Partner with professional associations, universities, or even corporate affinity groups to source potential candidates. These organizations often have leadership development programs, meaning you can tap into talented individuals who are ready for board service.
Create a standing board development committee. This group’s sole purpose is to identify, cultivate, and approach potential board candidates all year round, not just when someone is stepping down. Think of them as your in-house talent scouts, always on the lookout for great candidates.
- Define the Skills and Expertise You Need
If you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, you’re going to struggle to find it. Many nonprofits lack a clear profile of the skills and expertise they need on their boards. As a result, they end up with well-meaning generalists who may not have the specialized knowledge required to guide the organization through complex issues like financial strategy, legal matters, or digital transformation.
Why It Matters
A 2021 Nonprofit HR study found that 77% of nonprofits said they face leadership challenges that require more expertise at the board level. Without a clear understanding of what’s missing, you’re likely to recruit people based on who you know rather than what your organization truly needs.
Two Practical Actions:
Conduct a skills gap analysis. Look at the expertise you already have on your board and identify what’s missing. Do you need someone with a legal background? A finance expert? A tech-savvy strategist? Once you know the gaps, you can target individuals who fill those roles.
Develop clear role descriptions for board members. Just like you would for a staff position, create detailed role descriptions that outline the skills, time commitment, and responsibilities of board members. This not only helps you recruit the right people but sets clear expectations from the start.
- Engage in Year-Round Cultivation
Most boards wait until there’s a vacancy to start recruiting, which often leads to rushed, last-minute decisions. You wouldn’t hire an executive team that way, so why treat your board differently? Building a robust talent pipeline requires ongoing cultivation, not just reactive recruiting.
Why It Matters
When recruitment is rushed, you’re less likely to attract high-quality candidates. A study by the Stanford Graduate School of Business found that only 37% of nonprofit boards actively engage in succession planning. Without a plan in place, you’re likely to settle for “good enough” rather than “great.”
Two Practical Actions:
Keep a running list of potential board members. Have your executive team, board members, and key stakeholders keep their eyes open for talent year-round. This can be as simple as maintaining a shared document where anyone can suggest a name and provide details about why that person could be a good fit.
Host informal “get-to-know-you” events. Hold low-pressure events like networking happy hours, virtual meetups, or lunch-and-learns where prospective board members can learn more about your organization and connect with current board members. These events build relationships over time, so when a board seat opens up, you’ve already got interested, informed candidates.
- Leverage Board Member Term Limits
You might think that keeping experienced board members around forever is a win, but long-serving board members can sometimes block fresh talent. If your board has members who have been around for 10, 15, or even 20 years, it might be time to reassess. Term limits aren’t just about turnover; they’re about creating opportunities for new voices and perspectives to join.
Why It Matters
Term limits create an ongoing need to bring in new talent, which forces boards to be more proactive in their recruitment efforts. A 2017 report from BoardSource found that 65% of nonprofits with term limits were more likely to have structured board recruitment processes than those without.
Two Practical Actions:
Implement or enforce term limits. If you don’t already have term limits, now is the time to put them in place. If you do, make sure you’re sticking to them! This ensures a steady flow of new ideas and gives you the opportunity to assess and update your board’s composition regularly.
Use term limits as a leadership development tool. When someone’s term is ending, ask them to mentor potential new board members. This not only smooths the transition but also helps develop a pipeline of future leaders who are already familiar with the organization’s culture and mission.
- Tap into Corporate and Professional Networks
Corporate leaders often make excellent board members, bringing with them skills like financial acumen, strategic thinking, and access to deep professional networks. However, many nonprofits fail to tap into these resources, either because they don’t know how to reach these individuals or they mistakenly assume corporate professionals don’t have the time or interest to serve on nonprofit boards.
Why It Matters
Corporate board members can bring not only expertise but also connections to donors, sponsors, and strategic partners. In fact, research from Nonprofit HR found that 73% of corporate executives who serve on nonprofit boards say their business skills directly benefit the organizations they serve.
Two Practical Actions:
Partner with local chambers of commerce or industry associations. These groups can be a goldmine for potential board members. Many professionals are looking for ways to give back to their communities and build their leadership skills, and serving on a nonprofit board is a great way to do both.
Create a “corporate ambassador” role. Designate someone on your board or staff to build and nurture relationships with local businesses and corporations. This person can actively seek out potential board members from the corporate world and serve as a liaison between your organization and the business community.
The “limited talent pipeline” is a solvable problem if you take proactive steps to expand your board recruitment efforts. It’s all about getting out of reactive mode and shifting to a strategic, year-round approach that focuses on building relationships, diversifying your search, and clarifying your needs. By doing this, you’ll build a stronger board and set your nonprofit up for long-term success.
Take it from someone who’s seen the nonprofit world from every angle—your next great board member is out there. You just need the right plan to find them.
Ready to take a deeper dive into board development? Here are several excellent resources that can offer practical advice, strategies, and insights. Whether you’re new to board development or looking to refine your approach, these books, organizations, and courses will set you on the right path.
Here’s a curated list of some of the best books, organizations, and online courses to help you strengthen your board:
The Best of the Board Café: Hands-On Solutions for Nonprofit Boards
by Jan Masaoka
This practical guide offers tips, articles, and advice for board members and executive directors. Masaoka covers everything from board structure and recruitment to roles and responsibilities.
Governance as Leadership: Reframing the Work of Nonprofit Boards
by Richard P. Chait, William P. Ryan, and Barbara E. Taylor
This book encourages board members to move beyond the basics of fiduciary responsibility and into higher-level strategic thinking. It’s great for those wanting to rethink how their board adds value.
The Nonprofit Board Answer Book: A Practical Guide for Board Members and Chief Executives
by BoardSource
A go-to manual for all things board-related. It’s a comprehensive resource that answers almost every question about nonprofit governance, structure, and leadership development.
Recruiting and Engaging Board Members for Nonprofit Organizations: Bridging the Gap Between Mission and People
The leading resource for nonprofit governance, BoardSource offers a wealth of research, tools, and educational materials. Their website features a comprehensive library of resources, including webinars, templates, and reports. Check out their membership options for exclusive content: BoardSource.org.
The National Council of Nonprofits
This organization provides a wide range of board development resources, including articles, tools, and templates on best practices in governance, legal issues, and board recruitment. Visit their resource center here: CouncilofNonprofits.org.
Known for its consulting work with nonprofits, Bridgespan offers various articles, case studies, and guides on effective board governance, recruitment, and leadership development. Access their resources here: Bridgespan.org.
Hosted by Rob Harter
This podcast covers leadership challenges, fundraising, board dynamics, and recruitment strategies. Episodes often feature expert guests and real-world insights into how to strengthen nonprofit boards.
Hosted by Dolph Goldenburg
This podcast features episodes that explore governance best practices, board development, and strategic planning. It’s a great listen for nonprofit leaders looking for actionable advice.
