Who Should Be on Your Nonprofit Board?

Your nonprofit’s board of directors plays a bigger role than most people realize. A strong board doesn’t just attend meetings and approve budgets, it sets the tone for accountability, supports leadership, and helps move the mission forward. The right people make all the difference.

So, who should be on your board?

 People Who Care About the Mission

Start with heart. Board members should believe in your mission and want to see the Organization succeed. Passion drives engagement and an engaged board shows up prepared, asks good questions, and advocates in the community.

 People Who Understand Nonprofit Finance

Every board needs someone who can make sense of the numbers. That doesn’t mean your treasurer has to be a CPA, but they do need to understand nonprofit accounting. In fact, some CPAs who primarily work with for-profit businesses may not realize how different nonprofit accounting really is.

Look for people who can read financial statements, understand restricted versus unrestricted funds, and recognize the importance of cash flow and grant reporting. Board members don’t have to prepare the financials themselves, but they should understand what they’re reviewing and approving.

 People With the Right Mix of Skills

A strong board brings diverse professional expertise to the table, such as:

• Legal and compliance – to help ensure sound governance practices.
• Fundraising and communications – to open doors and tell your story effectively.
• Programs and community impact – to keep decisions mission-focused.

A board matrix can help identify where your strengths are and where you might need additional perspectives or skills.

 People Who Bring Different Perspectives

Diversity makes boards stronger. That includes diversity in background, age, profession, and lived experience. Different viewpoints help your organization see blind spots, make better decisions, and better reflect the community you serve.

 People Who Aren’t Just Your Donors

It can be tempting to fill your board with your largest supporters, but your biggest donors shouldn’t all be on your board. Donors are important partners, but board service is about governance, not just giving. When too many major funders sit on the board, conversations can tilt toward donor priorities instead of the Organization’s mission. Strive for a healthy balance of funders, professionals, and community representatives.

 People Who Actually Show Up

Some nonprofits seek out well-known names for their board list because of the prestige it brings. But name recognition doesn’t replace participation. If a board member rarely attends meetings or engages with the work, their presence adds little value to governance or oversight.

A strong board is made up of active contributors—people who attend meetings, review materials, and make informed decisions. It’s better to have a smaller, engaged board than a long list of big names who don’t show up.

 People Who Understand Their Responsibilities

Serving on a board isn’t honorary, it’s a serious commitment. Members must fulfill their fiduciary duties:

• Duty of care: Be informed, prepared, and engaged.
• Duty of loyalty: Put the organization’s interests above your own.
• Duty of obedience: Ensure the nonprofit stays true to its mission and complies with laws and regulations.

These responsibilities form the foundation of trust and accountability.

The best boards don’t happen by accident. They’re built intentionally with the right balance of passion, skill, diversity, and financial understanding. Take time to assess your current board composition and plan for the future.

When you have the right people at the table, those who understand your mission, your numbers, and their role, your nonprofit will be stronger, more effective, and better positioned to serve its community.