You’ve Joined a Nonprofit Board—Now What?

You’ve joined the board of a local nonprofit with the best of intentions. You want to give back to your community, and support an organization that does great work in a meaningful way.

Hopefully, you received an orientation and maybe even a job description. You almost certainly got a schedule of board meetings and upcoming events. But now what?

Not on a board yet, but thinking about it? Keep reading to get a sense of what it’s like—and get excited about the many ways you can make an impact. Most nonprofits are actively looking for board members who want to roll up their sleeves and truly support their mission.

Here’s the thing: your organization likely values your time and may hesitate to ask too much of you. But the truth is, as a board member, you have a vital role to play. You’re not just a seat at the table—you’re a partner in advancing the mission.

You Have a Fiduciary Role—But That’s Just the Beginning

As a board member, you share responsibility for the organization’s financial health. This includes reviewing financial reports, asking questions about revenue and expenses, and staying aware of any red flags like budget shortfalls or cash flow issues. You don’t need a degree in finance to keep up, but if you feel lost during a financial update, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t want to be caught unaware if issues arise.

Beyond Meetings: Ways to Contribute Meaningfully

If attending meetings and casting votes is starting to feel a bit hollow, here are some ways to bring more purpose—and satisfaction—to your board service:

1. Find Your “Why”

Why does this organization matter to you? Go beyond “they do good work.” Identify a specific program or aspect of the mission that speaks to your heart. Learn all you can about it. Let it be the thing you proudly share with others. When your connection to the mission is personal, everything else becomes easier and more fulfilling.

2. Offer Your Skills (Even the Behind-the-Scenes Ones)

You might have expertise the organization really needs—even if it wasn’t part of your official recruitment. Think about your professional skills: fundraising, finance, legal guidance, HR, marketing, real estate, social media, or sector-specific knowledge like education or healthcare. Don’t underestimate the power of simply offering to “pick your brain” or brainstorm solutions—it’s often invaluable to small or understaffed nonprofits.

3. Be Willing to Pitch In

Sometimes what an organization needs most is an extra set of hands. Stuffing envelopes, writing thank-you notes, organizing files, serving meals—these are humble but essential tasks. One board member I know spent a week helping with clerical work during time off from their day job. They later said it was eye-opening to see how much staff juggle, and how grateful they were to lighten the load.

4. Spread the Word

Remember that part of the mission that lights you up? Don’t keep it to yourself. Share your enthusiasm far and wide. Talk about the organization at social gatherings. Share their posts on social media. Forward their newsletters to friends. You don’t have to give a pitch—just tell people what excites you and why. Your voice builds awareness and attracts new supporters.

5. Do What Works for You

Not every board member can do everything. The key is to find one or two ways to engage that fit your interests and schedule. When you find the right fit, you’ll likely feel more connected and inspired to serve.

Yes, Fundraising Is Part of It (But maybe not the way you think it is)

Let’s be honest—fundraising makes a lot of board members squirm. But supporting fundraising doesn’t have to mean asking people for money directly. Here are accessible ways to contribute:

• Make a personal gift. It doesn’t have to be a large amount. What matters is that it’s meaningful to you. When 100% of the board gives, it sends a powerful message to donors and funders.

• Open a door. Think about who you know—friends, colleagues, vendors—who care about the same issues. Introduce them to the organization, maybe over coffee or at an event. You don’t have to make a pitch—just help make the connection.

• Help with stewardship. Write thank-you notes. Make a thank-you call. Invite someone to learn more about the organization. These simple gestures go a long way in deepening donor relationships.

• Join meetings with supporters. When staff are making big asks or applying for grants, having a board member present adds credibility and shows shared leadership.

• Run a peer-to-peer campaign. These are often set up by staff and easy to manage. You’ll get guidance and tools to reach your goal—and your efforts can make a big impact.

When in Doubt, Ask

Not sure how to help? Reach out to the Executive Director or development staff. Ask what would be most useful right now. Chances are, they’ll be thrilled you asked—and grateful for your support.

Final Thoughts

Being on a nonprofit board can be one of the most rewarding ways to serve your community—especially when you feel like you’re truly contributing. Your time, your voice, and your connections matter. You don’t have to do it all—just do something. And know that every effort helps move the mission forward.

Want to make the most of your board members' talents and time? The next article in this series is for nonprofit leaders and staff who want to better engage their boards. From onboarding to ambassador roles, you’ll find simple, strategic ways to activate your board—not just manage it. Stay tuned!

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