Rewarding and Recognizing Nonprofit Board Members

Let’s discuss rewarding, recognizing, and celebrating nonprofit board members’ successes. Over time, we’ve touched on the importance of building the capacity of your board so that they can effectively support your organization’s growth—raising funds, transforming programs, and moving your mission forward. We've covered much ground, from assessing the board personally to remotivating and re-engaging current members. Now, it's time to focus on how to reward their efforts and celebrate their success.

You can do everything right—delegate tasks, provide tools, and train them—but you won't get the best results if you don't appreciate people. It’s human nature. Everyone wants to be appreciated and celebrated. Even when someone tells you, "Don't worry about thanking me," deep down, recognition matters. If you don't say "thank you," they may eventually feel unappreciated, which can hurt their engagement. As a leader, it’s your job to show gratitude. So, how do you appreciate your board members when they meet expectations, achieve goals, and help create results?

Public Acknowledgment

Public recognition is one of the most powerful ways to show appreciation. Everyone loves being acknowledged in front of others. It’s not just about feeding someone’s ego but also tapping into their intrinsic motivation to keep pushing forward. Here are a few ways to do this:

- Press Releases: Celebrate your board members by sharing their contributions through a press release. Highlight how their efforts have helped move your organization forward. - Website and Social Media Spotlights: Feature board members on your nonprofit’s website and social media platforms. You could even create a "Board Member of the Month" or "Board Member of the Year" spotlight to celebrate individual contributions. - Impact Stories: Create a story around a board member's impact on the organization. Share how their efforts have transformed the organization or specific programs. Recognition During Meetings: Publicly acknowledge their achievements during board meetings. Mention their efforts and how they’ve contributed to your organization's success.

Personal Appreciation

While public recognition is impactful, personal appreciation can take it to another level. This is about showing that you genuinely value someone’s contribution more intimately. Here’s how you can do that:

- Handwritten Notes: A simple, handwritten thank-you note from you can go a long way. It’s thoughtful and personal and shows you’ve taken the time to recognize their efforts. - Personalized Cards or Gifts: Sending a personalized card or a small gift can intensely express appreciation. You could even create a customized thank-you video that’s just for them. - Gifts: You can also buy a thoughtful gift, maybe even something small but meaningful, to show you appreciate their commitment.

Professional Development Opportunities

Another great way to show appreciation to board members is by offering them opportunities to grow professionally. This not only shows that you value their current contributions, but it also invests in their future, which can be incredibly rewarding for them. Here’s how you can provide this type of appreciation:

- Mentorship or Training: Give them access to coaching, mentorship, or additional training. This could help them grow in areas that will benefit their work on the board and their personal careers. - Conferences and Virtual Learning: Provide access to conferences, workshops, or virtual training sessions to help them develop new skills and bring more value to your organization.

Celebrating Success at the Board Level

When your board has achieved a significant milestone or hit critical organizational goals, it’s time to celebrate as a group. Recognizing success at the board level can foster camaraderie and boost morale. Here’s how you can do that:

- Board Retreats and Events: Host a board retreat or a special event to celebrate accomplishments. You can invite board members and their families to a fun picnic or even take them to a relaxing location where they can unwind and reflect on their success. I remember a great retreat at a beautiful location earlier this year—those experiences matter.

- End-of-Year Celebration: Organize an end-of-year celebration where board members can come together and enjoy an evening out. Depending on your board's preference, this could be a sit-down dinner or a casual night out. You could even host it in your home during a holiday or special occasion.

Awards and Certifications: Provide formal recognition through awards or certifications. For example, you can offer a branded plaque that highlights a board member’s years of service or significant contributions.

Personal and Program Dedication

Another way to recognize board members is through dedication. You could dedicate a program to a board member or even name a new initiative after them. Imagine having their name linked to a successful program—they will feel truly honored and appreciated.

Whether it's a public acknowledgment, personal appreciation, professional development opportunities, or celebrating board success with events and retreats, you can show your board members that you value their time, effort, and commitment. Remember, recognition isn’t just about giving thanks; it’s about keeping board members motivated and engaged so they continue to support your organization’s mission with passion and dedication.

Stay tuned for our next discussion on the role of the board development committee and how it plays a crucial role in your organization's success. See you then!

Rooney Akpesiri is the VP of Solutions Matter LLC