How to Become a Board Member of Your Favorite Nonprofit

The Board of Directors of a nonprofit organization is tasked with the responsibility of considering, discussing, and voting on the affairs, actions, and decisions of the nonprofit. Being a member of the board can allow you to have some say in how money is spent, where resources are allocated, which steps the nonprofit will take next, and much more. If you are particularly interested in or dedicated to the work being done by the nonprofit, working on the board can allow you to make an impact on a cause you care about. 

While some nonprofits are desperate for board members, and will happily take volunteers that are willing to dedicate their time and energy, others are more selective and require potential board members to prove themselves before being considered for a slot at the table. If you have found a nonprofit that you feel passionate about, and want to become more involved by joining their board of directors, here are a few pieces of advice to keep in mind: 

• Start as a volunteer, then work your way up to applying for the board. One of the easiest ways to become involved with an organization that you care about is by volunteering with them since most charitable and nonprofit organizations are always accepting new volunteers. Volunteering will get you better acquainted with the work being done and will help to make you more recognizable to the people running the nonprofit.
  
  
  
• Take on leadership roles as they are offered to you, and show your commitment and enthusiasm for the work. If you become a regular volunteer, you will naturally become more involved in the organization as other members begin to rely on you. Taking on leadership roles within the volunteer structure of the organization is a good stepping stone for taking on leadership roles higher up, and will show your commitment to the cause. Examples of volunteer leadership roles include: chairing a fundraising committee, managing an event, or promoting a service or program.
  
  
  
• Share your time and talents generously to show just what an asset you can be. Nonprofits are constantly in need of extra help, and if you have something to offer, they will gladly accept. You are more than just a person with a body to take up space, you are an asset with a set of skills that you can use to make yourself more valuable to the organization. Offer to use your professional skills, knowledge, and energy to make the organization better, and you’ll soon be in the running for a position on the board. 

 

• Be prepared to donate or ask others you know to donate to the organization. As passionate as you are about the mission of the organization, it will not exist at all without funding. Board members are responsible for finding ways to strengthen cash flow security within an organization. Many times, you can contribute by donating some of your own funding but if you cannot do that, you should be willing to ask others (friends, colleague, the company you work for) to be generous with their pocketbooks.  

Want more tips, tricks, and advice on living a philanthropic life? Visit Blackbird Philanthropy Advisors today, and be sure to visit our blog for more information. ​