Is It a 'Working' Board?

There's a good chance that if the nonprofit you're part of is small in terms of employees, budget, and programming it was set up to have what's known as a 'working' board. And if you don't have any previous experience with small community nonprofit organizations, your only impression of what board membership means may have come from the silver screen. While you may have visions of being chauffeured to prestigious meetings where you state your opinions and cast votes on various matters of import the reality of board service looks very different and somewhat less glamorous, although (hopefully) highly more satisfying on a personal level.

If your organization isn't staffed sufficiently to carry out its mission-related programs, AND raise funds, AND take care of all administrative requirements then it's up to the Board of Directors to roll up their sleeves and perform the work of the organization alongside the staff. It's imperative that board members understand what's being asked of them when they sign on, and working board membership requires far more than board meeting attendance.

Here are a few ways to know if you and your fellow board members need to get into working board mode:

  • there are three or fewer paid employees
  • annual budget under $200,000
  • Executive Director can be described as "wearing all the hats" and can barely keep up when only working 40 hours per week
  • programs and mission-related activities seem to take a backseat to fundraising
Every nonprofit board has a fiduciary obligation to ensure the organization has the resources it needs to carry out its mission, but a working board has the additional responsibility of working to carry out the mission. This likely means that board members will need to dedicate many more hours per month in service of the organization than governing boards. How much time, exactly, will be dependent on the organization and its programs but I think it's safe to say10 hours per month, at a minimum, will be necessary.

What if your board members don't want to be a working board? It's perfectly fine to shift a nonprofit board from working to governing, but I recommend doing it with care and intention. Here are a few things to be aware of before - or during - the shift:
  • the organizational bylaws will likely need to be updated to reflect this change
  • an attorney should be consulted to make sure governance/compliance is met at all times
  • an organizational chart needs to be developed outlining all staff that will be needed
    • a hiring timeline should be established
    • job descriptions written including full compensation packages
    • major fundraising will need to be done
  • a step-by-step plan should be established for the transition including a timeline
  • new board member guidelines/roles & responsibilities should be drafted so that everyone has a clear understanding what their commitment will look like following the transition. This commitment should include stricter requirements for board attendance and fundraising.
If you're unsure of what to do or where to start, I invite you to reach out; as a nonprofit management consultant I can help you with an organizational assessment, a transition plan, or just offer my advice and expertise along the way through a consulting package.



Location: Hagerstown, MD 21742, USA

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