Digging In
Being a board member is serious business, with legal and fiduciary responsibilities. But different organizations may have somewhat different expectations of board members. Before making a commitment, you need to understand exactly what your role will be.

In general, board members are responsible for understanding the organization’s mission and keeping it on track to fulfill that mission. Board members typically hire the chief executive who will conduct day-to-day management, but they set the organization’s strategic goals and oversee the executive to ensure that he or she is keeping the organization’s activities on target.

Board members oversee fund-raising, making sure that the nonprofit has adequate resources to fund its programs. This frequently entails a commitment to make sizable personal contributions as well as to raise money among friends and business contacts. It also means reviewing financial reports and keeping a close eye on spending.

And, in general, board members are expected to help create a positive public image for the organization.

The nonprofit asking you to serve should provide you with written information regarding the responsibilities of each board member and of the board as a whole. As the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers explains, it’s important to understand both general expectations and specific policies regarding such matters as attendance at meetings, confidentiality, and conflicts of interest.

Getting to “Yes”
Before joining the board and taking on these responsibilities, BoardSource (formerly the National Center for Nonprofit Boards) recommends finding out all you can about the organization itself and about where you will fit in.

With respect to the organization, you’ll want a clear understanding of its mission and how its programs fulfill that mission. This is not as simple a question as it may seem. You want to be sure that the organization’s staff and other board members see the mission the same way because disagreement about the mission can create problems down the road.

An equally important question concerns the financial condition of the organization. You should read the most recent annual report to get a sense of the budget and the sources of revenue. Ask whether the board reviews the annual budget and receives regular financial reports. Find out whether board members are expected to make specific personal financial contributions and to solicit donations from others.

On the financial front, you may also want to confirm that the organization provides directors and officers liability coverage to protect board members in the event of a lawsuit.

When it comes to where you will fit in, ask to see a job description for board members. Find out why you are being asked to serve on the board. Do you have a particular expertise, in computer technology or human resources for example, that can help the organization reach its objectives?

Try to ascertain how much time will be required in attending meetings and special events run by the organization. If you will also be expected to serve on committees, ask how much time those meetings typically take. If you must travel to meetings, will your expenses be reimbursed?

To fill in your knowledge of the organization, BoardSource recommends asking for a list of current board members and their affiliations, reviewing a staff organization chart, and getting copies of the organization’s printed materials including newsletters and brochures.

Just Rewards
You may be honored, even flattered, to be asked to serve on a nonprofit board. Before saying yes, you should first be sure that you care about the focus of the particular organization and that there is a good fit between you and the organization.

Serving on the board of a charitable organization can be personally rewarding if you are passionate about the organization’s cause - and if you fully understand the commitment you are making.

The rewards are both tangible and intangible. You may learn a new set of skills or refine existing skills. You will certainly develop a deeper understanding of important community issues. And you will feel the enormous satisfaction that comes with participating in a worthwhile cause.

Grace W. Weinstein is a freelance writer based in Englewood, New Jersey.
Copyright 2004 Community Foundations of America
Used with permission