The board of directors plays a crucial role in nonprofit leadership and success. Having members with the right qualifications, experience, skills, and commitment helps steer an organization to achieve maximum impact. However, finding individuals that meet the ideal criteria and are willing and able to serve in a governance capacity is challenging. By understanding the attributes of a strong board member and strategies to recruit them, nonprofits can build an effective and high-functioning board.

The ideal nonprofit board member possesses several key qualities:

• Passion for the mission. Board members should have a genuine passion for, and ideally personal connection with, the organization's mission and community. This motivates them to dedicate the time and resources required for strong governance and act as vocal advocates and fundraisers. Without heartfelt purpose, board service becomes just another CV item or networking opportunity rather than a labor of love and conviction.

• Relevant skills and experience. Look for candidates with experience in areas such as finance, law, management, fundraising, or other fields that support key board responsibilities and organizational priorities. Board members should also demonstrate strong soft skills including communication, strategic thinking, and leadership that aid in discussions, planning, and decision-making. A mix of backgrounds, expertise, and competencies creates a well-rounded board able to steward the organization.

• Sufficient time and resources. Effective board members have the time available to prepare for and participate in meetings, serve on committees, evaluate programs and finances, fundraise, and promote the nonprofit's work. They are also in a stable position professionally and financially to make at minimum the financial donation expected of board members based on your nonprofit's guidelines. Lack of time, capacity, or personal resources prevents members from fulfilling essential duties.

• Integrity and impartiality. Look for candidates with a reputation for ethics, fairness, and fact-based judgment. Board members should avoid potential conflicts of interest, bias, or abuse of power that undermine the board's credibility and authority. Governance roles require objectivity, willingness to challenge assumptions, and commitment to the best interests of stakeholders and mission above all else.

• Dedication to excellence and continuous learning. Effective board members help set standards and expectations for constant improvement through evaluation of policies, programs, and results. They see their governance role as an opportunity to learn, develop new skills, and evolve practices to drive increasing impact. A desire for excellence and openness to learn translate into demanding the best from the organization and themselves as leaders.

To recruit members with these qualities, take the following actions:  

• Network and get to know potential candidates from relevant fields, ideally with a demonstrated passion for the mission. Look within your existing community and circles of influence first.

• Train and “promote from within” by inviting star volunteers, donors, and committee members to consider board service. Current familiarity and engagement with the organization reduce the learning curve.

• Post opportunities through board matching services and on websites frequented by professionals with relevant backgrounds. Be transparent about expectations and the level of experience, skills, and attributes that make a strong candidate.

• Ask current board members for referrals of colleagues, peers, or mentees they think would meet the ideal profile. This establishes an existing connection and allows candidates to learn more about the opportunity from someone they trust.

• Interview candidates to assess their qualifications, fit for the board's needs, passion for the mission, ability to commit the necessary time and resources, and demonstrate integrity. Look for enthusiasm for continuous learning and a desire to help achieve greater impact.

Building a board of directors with the right characteristics and commitment to excellence takes work but pays off through strong, effective leadership and governance. By understanding the ideal board member profile and using targeted strategies to find candidates that meet these standards, nonprofits gain a return on investment that shapes their capacity and success for years to come. Your board is worth the effort to build properly.