Reorganizing Your Nonprofit Board: The Foundation

Hello, nonprofit founders, CEOs, and Executive Directors! Today, I want to speak directly to those of you who need help gaining the support of your board to raise funds and advance your organization.
First, let me tell you this: I understand how frustrating it can be. You’re trying to rally your board members, yet it feels like you’re pulling them along on a journey they’re not fully committed to. This frustration can lead to feelings of isolation, and in some cases, it may even cause you to fall into what’s commonly referred to as the founder’s syndrome. This often means taking on too much alone, which is unsustainable and can lead to burnout.
Your board is the foundation of your organization’s success. It’s critical to get your board in order, but how do you do that? Let’s begin by examining why board members might step back or disengage from their responsibilities.

Why Do Board Members Disengage?
There are several reasons why board members might not show the support you need:

1. Lack of Passion for the Mission
If a board member isn’t genuinely connected to the organization’s purpose, their engagement and contributions will reflect that lack of enthusiasm.

2. Limited Skill Sets
Sometimes, board members want to help but need more specific skills to contribute effectively.

3. Life Challenges
Personal or professional challenges may prevent them from fully engaging in their role.

4. Organizational Gaps
When a nonprofit needs systems to keep board members engaged and committed, even the most enthusiastic members can lose focus over time.

Understanding these factors is the first step to addressing them. Once you know why your board members are stepping back, you can decide how best to reengage them or whether to seek new members altogether.

Reengage, Refresh, or Replace?
There are times when you can work to reengage board members by having honest conversations about their roles and challenges. This might involve helping them find renewed passion for the mission or providing training to enhance their skills.
However, some board members may need to step aside due to circumstances beyond their control, such as life challenges or misaligned priorities. In these cases, it’s essential to bring in new members with the passion and expertise to drive your mission forward.

How Solutions Matter LLC Can Help
At Solutions Matter LLC, we understand that organizing your board and aligning your team are the cornerstones of your organization’s growth. Here’s how we support you:

1. Comfort Survey and Honest Discussions
We can facilitate open conversations with your board to uncover challenges and opportunities. This process helps each member self-assess their engagement and decide whether to stay and improve or step aside.

2. Training and Development
We provide targeted training to ensure your board understands their responsibilities and how to fulfill them effectively.

3. Recruiting Skilled Members
We help you identify and recruit new board members with expertise in areas like accounting, fundraising, and organizational development—whatever skills your organization needs most.

4. Strategic Alignment
We guide your board and team in aligning their efforts to ensure everyone is passionate, committed, and eager to execute the mission together.

Building a Culture of Passionate Effort
When everyone—board members, staff, and volunteers—comes together with a shared passion to achieve the organization’s mission, incredible things happen. Even if things feel like they’re falling apart today, you can rebuild. You can reengage your board, bring in fresh talent, and create a culture where everyone is motivated to take action and drive success.
Reorganizing your board is the first step to raising more funds and scaling your nonprofit. Once that foundation is solid, you can move on to other vital processes, such as strategic planning and organizational development.

Are you ready to Take Action?
At Solutions Matter LLC, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need help realigning your current board or finding new members ready to roll up their sleeves, we’re prepared to partner with you to ensure your nonprofit thrives.
Reach out to us today—send a message or give us a call. We’d love to hear from you and help you take your organization to the next level.
Until next time, stay committed, stay passionate, and keep building the nonprofit you’ve always envisioned.
Rooney Akpesiri
Vice President of Client Acquisition
Nonprofit Solutions Matter | Solutions Matter LLC