Americans are very charitable with both their time and their financial resources. Serving on a nonprofit board can be very rewarding and beneficial to both the individual and the charity.
According to nonprofitssource.com:
· 25% of the U.S. adult population volunteer their time
· 42% started volunteering because they were asked
· 72% are involved with just one organization
Deciding to in serve on a nonprofit board takes a commitment of time, resources, and responsibility to govern the nonprofit. How do you know you are ready to serve?
Here are some important considerations for both the individual and the nonprofit.
Why should you join a nonprofit board?
Giving back to the community
Personal passion for mission
You wish to engage further with organization
Gain valuable experience in nonprofit sector
What to look for in a nonprofit organization before joining.
Do you identify with their mission?
Have you or someone you know been served by the organization?
Do you know and respect the leadership?
Have you already been involved through donating, serving as a volunteer, or is this your first experience?
Who is inviting you? Ideally, the invitation comes from someone who knows and the organization.
Review their financials and program work
Confirm the organization have Directors and Officers Insurance
Ask about your responsibilities and time commitment
Benefits of Volunteering
As a frequent volunteer, I know there are many benefits to donating your time. Volunteering makes you feel good, can improve your health, can grow your network, increases your skills, and can make you more marketable.
Volunteers are an important part of every nonprofit. In 2016, the national value of volunteer time was $193 billion (source: Nonprofitssource.com) So, when asked to serve on a nonprofit board, do your research, be comfortable with your decision, and enjoy all the wonderful aspects of volunteering.
Cheers,
Michelle Crim, CFRE
Dynamic Development Strategies can help. We offer coaching and fundraising services for our nonprofit clients. We specialize in startup and smaller nonprofits because we understand your challenges. Please contact us for more information.
