Non-profit board members are legally able to be compensated, and sometimes it might even be necessary. But is it right for your organization? Strengthen Governance: Empower Non-Profit’s Board Members. Explore insights for effective leadership, collaboration, and mission-driven success.
Pro and cons to board compensation
Board member compensation comes with several pros and cons to consider. One of the considerations for compensation is if it draws individuals who can bring tangible benefits to your organization such as:
- Highly specialized expertise or prominence in a growth field for your organization
- Investing significant time and effort into your organization
- Representative of diverse cultures, classes, and ages that will help guide your organization
- How compensating board members benefit your organization (for example, by allowing it to attract a member with research expertise)
- Which members are eligible for compensation (the chair, the officers, or all members)
- How compensation is structured (for instance, flat or per-meeting fee)
- Expectations for board members in exchange for compensation, such as meeting attendance, qualifications, and experience.