Project · Board Development & Governance
Board recruitment for nonprofits
Part of our board development & governance support. Work on it with a coach, practitioner or cohort — and keep the result.
No credit card required · you own & control your data
You’ll walk away with
Board matrix of skills and perspectives
Recruitment plan and pipeline
Onboarding packet for new members
- Typical length
- 2–4 months for the first recruitment cycle
- Who’s involved
- Board chair, executive director (ED) and a governance or nominating committee; about 1–2 hours a week each
Overview
What is a board recruitment project?
Board recruitment is a planned way to find, invite and welcome new board members, instead of asking whoever happens to be nearby. When it’s done, you know which skills, perspectives and community ties your board is missing. You also have a list of people to approach and a clear start for each new member.
Steps
How does a board recruitment project usually run?
01
Build the matrix
List current members’ skills, perspectives and term end dates to see the gaps.
02
Fill the pipeline
Ask board, staff, volunteers and partners to suggest people who fit those gaps.
03
Meet and invite
Hold get-to-know-you meetings, share clear expectations, then extend invitations.
04
Onboard well
Give each new member an onboarding packet, a board buddy and a first task.
Signs you need this
When does a nonprofit need a board recruitment project?
The most common sign a nonprofit needs a board recruitment project is “The same three people do everything.” — here are the others to look for.
- The same three people do everything.
- Your board doesn’t reflect your community.
- Terms are ending and no one is lined up.
Delivery
How does Resilia deliver a board recruitment project?
Coaching with templates: a coach or practitioner works with your board chair and ED, using the free board matrix template in your workspace. The first cycle usually takes about 3–5 coaching sessions.
Free to start with the board matrix template. 3–5 coaching sessions: about $600–$2,500 — or free to you if your funder sponsors it.
Example
What does a finished board recruitment look like?
For example, a seven-person food bank board might find it has no one with finance skills and no one who has used its services. It could finish with eight names in its pipeline, two new members seated, and an onboarding packet ready for the next cycle.
Pitfalls
What are common mistakes to avoid?
- Recruiting friends of current members, which keeps the same gaps.
- Waiting until after someone joins to explain the time and giving expected.
- Treating recruitment as a one-time push instead of a yearly cycle.
Related
What is a board recruitment project often paired with?
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many board members should a nonprofit have?
There’s no single answer; many small nonprofits work well with 7–15. The board matrix shows which skills and perspectives you need, which matters more than the number.
How long does a board recruitment project take?
Typically 2–4 months for the first recruitment cycle. Board chair, ED and a governance or nominating committee; about 1–2 hours a week each.
How much does a board recruitment project cost?
Free to start with the board matrix template. 3–5 coaching sessions: about $600–$2,500 — or free to you if your funder sponsors it.
Who does the work on a board recruitment project?
A practitioner works with your board chair and ED; templates live in your workspace; a coach helps you run the first recruitment cycle.
Can we start a board recruitment project for free?
Yes. Start self-service for free in your workspace, then add a coach, practitioner or cohort when you’re ready — or ask your funder to sponsor it.
Can our funder pay for this?
Often, yes. Here’s how to ask.
Start this project.
I run a nonprofit
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