Build a recruitment pipeline
19.08.2020
All too often, recruitment of new board members is handled casually. During a board meeting, the board chair asks for names of someone who would be a good fit for an open position. Then the organizational leader or a couple board members meet with the individual and ask him or her to serve. But the new board member may be unknown to the rest of the board and has usually not been properly vetted.
Nonprofits can avoid this by building a pipeline for new board members. For example, they can hold special donor gatherings and get to know people who are already genuinely committed to the organization. They can work side-by-side with volunteers or hold special appreciation events to get to know them. Boards can also create special task forces or committees, such as a fundraising committee or special event team, to observe which people have the best potential to serve on the board. Then they can compare these individuals with their list of desired capabilities or perspectives to make an informed decision.
