Skill #1: Strong Communicators and Community Connectors
One skill that keeps coming up on high-functioning nonprofit boards is strong communication – both inside and outside the organization.
These are the people who are comfortable talking about the mission, making introductions, and helping others understand why the work matters.
This might look like a board member who's happy to speak at a local Rotary Club, set up coffee meetings with potential sponsors, or help you think through how to talk about your mission in a way that resonates with different types of audiences. Those small conversations add up over time and can open doors you didn't even know existed.
When you think about your current board, who naturally helps build relationships for the organization?
And BONUS question: How are you supporting those folks? (Do they get “key talking points” guides? Practice during board meetings? Invites to networking events?)
If that role feels unclear, it may be worth discussing how board members can help expand the organization's network and community connections.
Skill #2: Project Managers Who Turn Ideas Into Action
Ooohhh boy, this one is under-rated but so, SO important.
Many boards are full of passionate people with great ideas. But without someone helping move those ideas forward, I’ve seen how it can be difficult to turn conversations into real progress.
This is where project-oriented board members can make a real impact. These are the people who naturally think about timelines, next steps, and making sure things actually get done. Their super-power is figuring out how to take a giant goal and breaking it down into teeny, manageable actions. It’s the person who says, "Okay, what's the actual next step here, and who owns it?" and then follows up two weeks later.
For early-stage nonprofits especially, this kind of follow-through can be the difference between ideas that stay on paper and ideas that actually get off the ground.
Think about your last few board meetings. Did the conversation end with clear next steps? If not, this might be a skill worth looking for in your next board recruit. (HINT: Maybe you even have a Project Management Professionals chapter in your city to reach out to for recommendations?)
Skill #3: Strategic Thinkers and Change Management Experts
As nonprofits grow, the board's role naturally shifts. Early on, board members often act like an extension of the team, jumping in wherever help is needed. But as the organization grows its staff and systems, the board's focus moves toward guidance and long-term direction.
That's when strategic thinking and change management becomes especially valuable.
The nonprofit world is changing faster than ever. In fact, according to BDO's 2025 Nonprofit Standards Benchmarking Report, 88% of nonprofits are currently shifting their mission scopes and programming due to changing community needs. A board that can think ahead and support leadership through that kind of change makes a huge difference.
As your organization grows, is your board spending most of its time on day-to-day tasks or helping leadership think through the bigger picture?
🎥 Want to go deeper on building a high-functioning nonprofit board? Watch my full YouTube video: Starting a Nonprofit? Critical Board Roles in 2026
Try it this week 🚀
Start a simple list of the three strengths your board will need most in the next stage of your work. Use that list as a starting point the next time your board discusses recruitment or leadership development.
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