1. LinkedIn: A Goldmine for Skilled Professionals
LinkedIn is more than just a platform for job-seekers and recruiters; it's also an excellent place to find potential board members.
Now, LinkedIn used to have a feature where people could check a box on their profile directly indicating they were looking for a nonprofit board position. Sadly, that feature seems to have been removed, but there are still ways to utilize the platform to find people with the right skills.
- Strategy 1: Post your Board opportunity on LinkedIn using the free job opportunity posting feature (being clear it’s for a volunteer Board position). LinkedIn shares how to do that, here
- Strategy 2: Search for candidates with the desired skills and make a connection.
A few tips on how to do that:
- Search for people by skill set, typing in the skill you’re looking for in the search bar (example: “Accounting”). See who you already know in your 1st degree network – you might be surprised!
- Learn about the issues someone may be interested in by scrolling down to check out their past or current volunteer experience on their profile. If you lead a nonprofit fighting food insecurity, and someone has volunteered with a nonprofit that fights food insecurity in the past, you know there’s at least some interest there!
- If you find someone who may be a good candidate, take care to connect with them thoughtfully, focusing on building a relationship. Board service is a big commitment – strangers are unlikely to “jump on board” (see what I did there? 😂) immediately. But LinkedIn provides this tip:
"In this personalized outreach, introduce your mission statement in terms that will resonate with your potential board member’s particular values. Then, lay out the specific ways they can help you achieve your mission, referencing the unique skills and experience that caught your eye."
2. Local Volunteer Centers and Networks
Your local volunteer center or online volunteer matching websites can be invaluable in finding board members.
If you’re not familiar with them, volunteer centers are nonprofits with a mission of recruiting volunteers for other nonprofits. Some even explicitly promote board opportunities!
Team up with a volunteer center in your city and see if you can advertise your board needs through their networks.
Not sure if there’s a center in your city? Here’s a map.
3. Local Companies
Many businesses encourage their employees to serve on nonprofit boards as a form of leadership development and community engagement.
This is awesome, because it can be a win-win: your organization gains access to skilled professionals, and the business enhances its reputation for social responsibility.
To leverage this opportunity, identify local companies that align with your mission or need the specific skills you’re seeking—like accounting firms for financial expertise or marketing agencies for branding support.
Then, reach out to their HR or community relations departments and ask if they’d be willing to share your board opportunities with their employees. Voila!
4. Board Matching Programs
These are a thing!
Think of them as like a Match.com for nonprofits and board candidates.
Board matching programs connect nonprofits with individuals looking to serve on a board based on skills, interests, and geographic location.
Oftentimes, you can post your mission and the skills you're looking for, and the program will recommend candidates who fit the bill. Some popular board matching programs operate both nationally and globally, offering a broader reach to find the perfect match for your organization.
5. Networking Events
Honestly, nothing beats face-to-face interaction.
Meet potential candidates by attending networking events hosted by your local chamber of commerce, professional organizations, or community groups. They’re often free to attend!
These gatherings are filled with skilled professionals who are often open to new opportunities for community engagement.
Remember, the key is to cultivate these relationships before asking someone to join your board—laying a foundation of trust and mutual respect. That’s the best way to ensure you’ll get a truly informed, engaged board member if they join!
6. Other Nonprofits
It might sound counterintuitive, but collaborating with other nonprofits can be a strategic way to find board members.
In my own experience, my nonprofit would often have way too many board candidates than available board spots (an awesome problem to have). That means that there were amazing people who weren’t able to join, but may still be seeking their perfect board fit.
And people often serve on more than one board too (which is fine as long as there’s no conflict of interest and each organization is getting the support it needs!).
Not to mention, partnering with other nonprofits can foster a spirit of collaboration in your local social impact ecosystem - which is always a plus. 🙂
7. Civic or Interest Groups
Look for civic or interest groups in your community that align with your mission.
These could be groups like Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs, Civitans - you’ve likely heard of these!
They could also be groups formed around an issue area that already aligns with your cause.
For example, if your nonprofit focuses on environmental conservation, a local gardening club or sustainability group could be a rich source of candidates who share your values.
8. Your Own Volunteers
Always look within.
Your volunteers are often the best candidates for board service because they already believe in your mission.
They’ve demonstrated their commitment through their volunteer work, and some may possess the very skills you need.
Why not start out by sending an email to your volunteer base outlining the skills you’re looking for and invite them to apply for board positions?
To create a pipeline of future board members, consider establishing an advisory board that allows volunteers to get more involved and learn about your nonprofit’s inner workings.
What’s been your experience with board recruitment? I'd love to hear your thoughts and any creative strategies you've used in your own nonprofit journey!
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