How to Form a Non Profit Board

Nonprofit board of directors members help organize the group.

A nonprofit organization's board of directors is the organization's governing body. The board hires and fires employees and serves as the decision-making entity for the organization. Picking board members is an important step to starting a nonprofit organization. The board of directors should be chosen with much thought. The initial board of directors develops organizational policies and important paperwork such as the bylaws. Forming an effective board requires research, patience and effort.

Instructions

Board Formation

1. Pick a name for the organization and develop the organization's goals and missions. Think about the populations the nonprofit will serve and help. This will help in finding appropriate board of directors members.

2. Find people interested in the nonprofit's cause or mission. Reach out to these people, especially individuals in the local community. Get them involved in the nonprofit's development by asking for their input.

3. Ask skilled members from the group of people interested in the nonprofit's work to be part of the board of directors. Find people who can help the nonprofit, either through their experience or skill set.

4. Explain the roles and duties of a nonprofit board of directors to chosen potential board members. The board of directors makes sure the organization fulfills it's mission and stays ethically on task. Ask the potential members to be part of the board through a phone call or lunch meeting.

5. Schedule the first board of directors meeting and make an agenda. Tell the board about the meeting and decide on organizational tasks to complete like writing the bylaws.

Tips & Warnings

• Some states govern the makeup of the board; check local laws.

References

• NOLO: Building Your Nonprofit's Board
• Management Help: Free Toolkit