Nonprofit Board Meetings are at the heart of your organizationโs ability to serve the community effectively. You saw something in your community that needed support or change, and thatโs why you started a nonprofit or joined its board of directors. But even the most passionate leaders can be hindered by ineffective or dysfunctional meetings.
Studies show that an estimated 66 to 80 percent of nonprofit boards experience some level of dysfunction. When Nonprofit Board Meetings lack structure or clarity, the consequences can be significant. Confusion and frustration may lead board members to disengage, reduce their contributions, or leave entirely.
Fortunately, this doesnโt have to be the case for your organization. With the right approach, Nonprofit Board Meetings can become powerful tools for progress. Productive meetings help align goals, encourage participation, and foster collaboration among board membersโall essential for achieving your nonprofitโs mission.
From setting clear agendas to facilitating open communication and follow-through, strategic improvements can reinvigorate your board and enhance organizational impact.
5 Strategies for More Productive Nonprofit Board Meetings
Your board meetings donโt have to be long, boring, or infuriating. Depending on how often your board of directors meets โ once a month, once a quarter, or some other schedule โ your meetings should last an hour or two. Consider these five strategies to keep board members engaged to meet your goals.
1. Begin With the Mission
Your mission is why youโre coming together. Consider having a staff or board member kick off your meetings by telling the story about his or her volunteer work or recent impact through your nonprofit. Such storytelling can remind members why your nonprofit exists and keep board members engaged at the top of the meeting.
2. Set Your Agenda
Your meeting dates should be periodic, predictable, and set well in advance. That means you can set your agenda in advance, too. You can email board members, soliciting additions to see that their concerns are covered and to eliminate surprises during the meeting.
Attach a timetable to each item, mark who is responsible for the item, provide background, and set a vote on each item. You must send the agenda package at least two days before your meeting.
3. Keep the Meeting on Time
Start and end your meetings on time. If you have the right board members, your directors are busy people. While this is often an excuse for starting nonprofit meetings late, starting meetings on time, keeping them moving on schedule, and ending on time can make your meetings more productive and show directors that you respect their time.
4. Tackle Post-Meeting Action Items
Immediately follow up on action items from the meeting, provide board members answers that werenโt available during the meeting, and add unresolved issues to your next agenda.
5. Use a Consent Agenda
If you donโt have a consent agenda, start one. Many nonprofit board meetings consist of directors providing updates. These updates, committee reports, minutes from the previous meeting, and more can be read by members in advance and covered in one vote during the meeting.
A key to making the most of your nonprofit board meetings is being mindful of your mission. The board of directors and staff meet to provide strategic direction for your organization. Well-planned, action-focused meetings can keep directors engaged and improve the effectiveness of your organization.
Get the Advice of Accountants Who Know Nonprofits
Running a nonprofit business can be time-consuming. You may wear a lot of hats, but to keep your organization in good standing and focused on its mission, consider leaving the accounting to those who understand the needs of nonprofits. At Ernst Wintter & Associates LLP, we have a wealth of experience working with nonprofits. Give us a call today.
