One of the biggest mistakes startup nonprofits make is recruiting people to run the organization rather than govern it. Early boards often think: “We need someone for marketing.” “We need an accountant.” “We need a lawyer.” “We need an HR expert.” It sounds logical. In fact, it’s one of the most common recruiting mistakes I…
Author: Bill Rowley
Mistake #10: Limited or no onboarding/training
Recently, I was helping a nonprofit board recruit new board members. They had a detailed recruitment guide—more of a wish list for the perfect nonprofit superhero than a board member profile. It described the search process, interviews, and selection criteria. Then it ended with one final step: Offer accepted. That’s when I realized something. Like…
Mistake #9: Requiring significant giving (“buying” a board seat)
Some nonprofit boards unintentionally exclude their strongest future leaders. Brian was helping lead a young, growing nonprofit. He recruited volunteers. Built partnerships. Helped navigate the challenges that come with growth. He had vision. He understood nonprofit leadership. He knew the difference between governance and management. In many ways, he was exactly the type of person…
DONORS FUND THE MISSION. BOARD MEMBERS GOVERN IT.
Kim was one of the nonprofit’s largest donors. She loved the mission. She regularly shared the organization’s work on social media. She gave generously every year. And whenever fundraising campaigns launched, she was among the first to contribute. When a board seat opened, her name quickly rose to the top of the list. The board’s…
Mistake #7: No real vetting process
Chris was one of the organization’s best volunteers. Reliable. Passionate. Always willing to help. When a board seat opened, his name came up almost immediately. Everyone agreed: “Chris would be great.” So, they invited him to coffee. They talked about the mission. The future. The impact he could make. Chris was excited. He saw board…
Mistake #6: Failing to clearly communicate expectations before someone says yes
One of the bigger mistakes a board can make is recruiting a board member based on the merits of the organization and not the responsibilities of the position. Some nonprofit boards wait too long in the recruiting process to explain what board service actually involves. They talk about the mission. They share the impact. They…
Mistake #5: No ownership of recruitment
When future board recruitment is everyone’s responsibility… it belongs to no one. So, what happens? Nothing. Everyone assumes: • Someone else is thinking about it • Someone else is making connections • Someone else is tracking potential candidates And in the background… Nothing actually moves forward. Then a seat opens, and the question becomes: “Who…
Mistake #4: Recruiting before fixing board dysfunction.
Most nonprofit boards think new members will solve their problems. They won’t. The good ones will reveal them. When a board struggles, the instinct is:“We need stronger people.”“Fresh energy.”“More experience.” So they recruit. But if the board is:• Disengaged• Politically divided• Unclear on roles• Operating at a staff level instead of governance New members don’t…
They walked away from millions.
I was brought in after a feasibility study to help a church with a $20M capital campaign in Florida. For this organization? Very achievable. They had a solid plan. They just… didn’t follow it. They still raised millions. But left a lot on the table. Why? 1) Treated it like “one more thing” A capital…
Mistake #3: No 6–18 month recruiting pipeline
Most nonprofit boards know turnover is coming. They just treat it like a surprise party. 🎉 Board terms end.People rotate off.Life happens. None of this is shocking.And yet… Right when a seat opens:“Who do we know??” That’s life without a recruiting pipeline. Every transition feels urgent.Every conversation feels high-stakes.Every decision feels… a little like settling….