3 Tips to Help Every Nonprofit Unlock the Full Potential of Its Board

Tight philanthropic budgets, competitive grant processes and rising community needs mean nonprofits must work smarter, not just harder. This is especially true for organizations focused on long-term change, where solutions are complex and traditional fundraising alone is not enough to sustain momentum.

Too often, board service in nonprofits has centered around fundraising and fundraising only. But your board can also serve as an untapped source of innovation. Board members are uniquely positioned to act not just as donors, but as strategic connectors, thought partners and stewards of both social and financial capital. By expanding the definition of what board leadership looks like, organizations can tap into deeper wells of expertise, influence and long-term strategic support.

This wider view also opens the door for more types of people to serve. Many professionals assume they are not qualified to join a board simply because they do not have fundraising experience. But what we need now more than ever is board engagement that goes beyond the traditional scope. Nonprofits benefit most when their boards reflect a broad range of expertise and lived experience, particularly during periods of transition and uncertainty. Traditional fundraising cannot be the only avenue for generating resources. We need board members who are invested in the cause and willing to move it forward through connection, creativity and collaboration.

Site visits and volunteer days can provide your board members with a helpful window into your work. But what is more meaningful is the relationship between you and your board members. That relationship must be rooted in trust, shared purpose and a willingness to show up beyond the bare minimum — on both ends. Right now, fundraising alone is not enough to meet the moment.

At the Partnership for Innovation, our public-private leaders, including three new board members who collectively will continue to guide our growth and impact, have been an important part of our identity since inception. It is not a checklist of financial asks, but an opportunity to help amplify our mission through action.

So, how can you activate the full potential of your board? Here are a few ways to get started.

1. Leverage Social Capital to Expand Your Reach

Board members often have access to networks that your organization might not. One of our new board members, Heather Robertson Fortner, for example, brings expertise in financial inclusion and family wealth services with her. Thanks to her, our nonprofit is being introduced to funding circles and investors we previously had limited access to. These introductions are not simply about donations; they are about alignment with funders who understand the value of long-term innovation. 

Similarly, Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey’s, brings a wealth of experience in small business, entrepreneurship and agricultural technology (and yes, sometimes snacks too). Her connections within the business community will help us reimagine how our work intersects with local economies, especially in rural areas. Social capital is not a secondary asset. It is one of the most powerful tools a board member can offer. Don’t be afraid to make the ask and lean into their networks.

2. Treat Expertise as a Resource, Not Just a Bonus

Access to high-quality expertise can be just as impactful as a financial gift. I’ve had board members connect me with pro bono consultants to help develop our earned revenue strategy, a contribution that would have cost tens of thousands of dollars to bring in otherwise. Another board member recommended me as a speaker for a national conference, which expanded my understanding of the industry landscape and strengthened my own network, not to mention the overall visibility of our work. 

The relationship can (and should) go both ways, too. As a board member for other organizations, I’ve made recommendations for interns through Partnership for Innovation’s summer internship program and have helped support them along the way.  I’ve also co-authored articles with board members to raise visibility for our shared work. Expertise should never be seen as an add-on. It is a form of investment in the mission. Take the time to learn what strengths your board members bring to the table and see where they feel most equipped to help.

3. Ask Board Members to Serve as Local Ambassadors

Some of the most impactful contributions come from board members who are deeply rooted in the communities we want to serve. Dr. Nashlie Sephus, a technologist and entrepreneur leading the development of an innovation district in Mississippi, is one of the key organizers behind the only artificial intelligence (AI) conference in the state. She has helped our nonprofit connect to new partners and will guide us on opportunities in Jackson, Mississippi, a city whose potential aligns closely with our mission. Thanks to her leadership, Jamal Lewis, our economic opportunity manager, is now speaking at the AI conference, helping us further strengthen our innovation ecosystem across the southeastern U.S. 

As Chris Womack, our board chair, often reminds us, “Board service is also place-based. Where you live, work and lead shapes where you can make the biggest difference on behalf of the mission.” So, consider how your board members can serve as local ambassadors, especially where they already have strong relationships and can make a much-needed introduction.

We need board members who are willing to lend their voice, their networks, and their insight to help shape what comes next. The most impactful members are those who help us think bigger, reach farther and deliver better for the communities we serve. Strong leadership is never a solo effort. So, take the time to cultivate that relationship and co-create a vision that your board can help bring to life. Invite them in and let them help you take your mission even further.

The preceding content was provided by a contributor unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of NonProfit PRO.