Nonprofit Adviser

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Welcome to June. When your board meets this summer, it’s a good opportunity to examine its dynamics and ask yourself whether it’s time to add some fresh blood.

David Wheeler recently spoke with consultants who specialize in matchmaking between nonprofit groups and potential board members. The experts identified a few overlooked but important traits that go beyond trustees’ capacity to “give or get” money. Among the most valuable:

Passion for the mission. The most important quality in a prospective board member is devotion to your cause, says Jeremy Cramer, founder and CEO of Exponential Philanthropy. “You need to find people who are passionate, who can literally light people’s souls on fire about the mission, the cause that you’re fighting for.” After vetting a prospect’s commitment to your work, ask them what they hope to get out of their service. “The boards that I’ve been most privileged to sit on are the boards where I learn the most, because that brings me the most joy,” he says.

Professional experience from a variety of careers. While lawyers, investment advisers, and accountants are usually the most popular choices for trustees owing to their connections and expertise, a balanced board has people with other skill sets in the mix, says Jennifer Nohelty, chair of the board of the Washington Policy Institute. For example, marketing experts will offer a fresh look at how you present your organization’s mission. Alternatively, church secretaries are experienced communicators who thrive as connectors to those with the influence and capacity to give. At service organizations, people who have received services — such as the parents of a child with special needs — will have the passion, knowledge, and zeal to fundraise, she adds.

To find more ideas about where to find board members who can take your nonprofit to the next level, read 6 Steps to Turbocharge Your Board Recruitment.

Have a good week,

M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Advice

P.S. Don’t miss the latest episode of our podcast Nonprofits Now: Leading Today for leadership guidance amid uncertainty.

When planning for your financial future during turbulent times, stay in close contact with foundations and other donors. World Relief sent a fundraising appeal one day after the White House announced cuts in refugee resettlement programs, says its president and CEO Myal Greene. The humanitarian group followed up with more details as the outlook became clearer. The response to these appeals raised $10 million in two months for World Relief, positioning the group to absorb the immediate financial hit. For more leadership advice, listen to the latest episode of our podcast Leading Amid Economic Uncertainty.

Your Chronicle subscription includes free access to GrantStation’s database of grant opportunities.

Medical Care: Family Medicine Cares USA, a program of the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, helps new and existing free clinics to care for the uninsured in areas of need across the United States. Reimbursement grants fund the purchase of durable medical equipment and instruments necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of primary care patients. Grants up to $25,000 for new clinics and up to $10,000 for existing clinics; application deadline July 15.

Youth Leaders: Rural Youth Leaders, a collaborative initiative, aims to uplift and invest in the leadership of creative young people and the cultural stewards who support them in rural communities. Teams from six rural communities across the U.S. and tribal nations will be selected, each consisting of two emerging leaders (aged 18-24) engaged in creative arts and cultural traditions, one cultural steward mentor, and one nominating organization. The youth leaders will participate in a fellowship, accompanied by the cultural steward. Teams receive $2,500 stipends for each youth fellow and $10,000 to support the cultural steward and nominating organization; application deadline June 16.