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So You're Being Asked To Join a Nonprofit Board? 20 Things You Should Ask THEM Before You Say Yes

You've been interested in the work of a organization you support, and know several people on the board. One day them calls you and introduces herself as the Chair of the Governance committee. 

 "We'd love to talk to you about our board," she says. "Can we have lunch?"

 Their board? You're flattered but a little uneasy. What will they expect of you? What is involved on being on this particular board? What should you ask them? 

 Of course your primary interest will be in the work of the organization, and you'll want to look at their website, check out their annual report, and if it's available, look at their 990 tax return. But how will you know what to ask about what is expected of YOU?

 If you accept that lunch, take this list with you. You'll find that that most of your questions will get answered before you ask them anyway, but just to be prepared, these are the questions that you should have answered before you take this leap. 

 And by the way, if they assure you that not much will be expected of you, think twice. A board that doesn't expect much of its members is a board that isn't getting anything done.

WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED OF ME IF I JOIN THIS BOARD?

How much time will it take?:

• How often, where, and for how long does the board meet? This varies from board to board, with something between 2 and 10 times per year, from 2 hours to all day, sometimes in different locations
• Do you expect board members to serve on committees? Most boards do, and that is another time commitment - ask how often committees meet
• What sort of volunteer time do you expect of a board member, if any? A few boards have a clear requirement, some want none, but newer, hands-on boards will just plain need more help
• Do you have a board retreat? Typically one day every year, sometimes a whole weekend
• How long would my term be? Typically from one year to three years, although the average length of board service is closer to 6 years
• How much information do you send out to board members? How much time do you expect that it will take to keep up every month? 
• Are there events that board members are expected to attend or participate in? Benefits, panel discussions, openings, performances, graduations, etc.

About the structure of the board:

• How big is the board and who is on it? Ask about age and gender. Ask about the amount of social interaction on the board. Ask about socioeconomic backgrounds. Will you be comfortable with this group?
• Do you have Directors and Officers liability insurance? Every board should. If they don't, ask why. They should be protecting you.
• May I see a copy of your ByLaws? This might surprise them - but these are the "rules" for this board, and you should have a look at them before you agree to them.
• Where is your IRS form 990 available? Where can I see it? Because it is publicly available, every board member should know all about what is on the 990 and where it can be found. Many boards put it right on their website. You can also find it on www.Guidestar.com. But let them tell you that.
• Do you have an independent auditor? Now becoming the accepted standard for all boards - a professional auditor who looks over the books, hired by the board, not the CEO. Too expensive for many small boards, so ask how they handle financial oversight.
• Do board members sign a conflict of interest form annually? They absolutely should. The IRS now requires it.Ask what's on it.

Philanthropy and fundraising:

• Is there a specific expectation for an annual financial contribution for board members? Most expect a contribution - a few tell you what the $ amount should be. This tells you a lot about how this board sees its role and what they want from you.
• What do you expect of any board member in terms of fundraising? Solicit funds, attend fundraising events, identify donors, cultivate donors - you should expect to be involved in some way or other - good board members are activists and advocates - find out what this board does.
• Are there specific events board members are expected to subscribe to? Often a dinner or event where board members are expected to "take" a table, buy a few tickets, or at least show up.

Education/ training/information:

• What kind of education about governance do you give board members? How do board members receive ongoing education about how boards work and what is expected of them?
• How will I learn more about the organization on an ongoing basis? Will you get regular information, presentations, tours, opportunities to visit or see the work of the agency?
• How can I get to know the CEO and the staff? Ideally a planned first introduction and information session, but what happens after that?

About my role:

• Is there anything specific you'd expect of me? Are they looking for you to help them in specific ways (with your professional skills) or to perform a specific function? Find out now!

And of course, if you're the board member inviting a new person onto your board, you should be able to answer all these questions, too!