When it comes to facing challenges in your non-profit, specialized expertise, broader community representation, or fundraising connections beyond what your governing board provides may be necessary. One effective way to strengthen leadership capacity and support strategic initiatives is using an advisory board. This helps to bring in outside perspectives without expanding formal governance responsibilities.

Evaluate Your Organization’s Needs

One way to assess whether your non-profit needs an advisory board is to look at your general board members’ demographics and collective profile. Does your board lack representation from certain groups — particularly relative to the communities your organization serves? Advisory boards offer opportunities to diversify leadership.

Also consider the skills current board members bring (or don’t bring) to the table. Do you have enough financial expertise on your board? Does the group have adequate fundraising or grant writing experience? What about public relations skills? An advisory board can help fill in critical knowledge gaps.

Adding advisory board members can also open the door to funding opportunities. If, for example, your non-profit is considering expanding its geographic presence, it may make sense to find an advisory board member from outside your current area. That person might be able to connect board members with business leaders in the community.

Recruit The Appropriate Advisors

The advisory role is a great way to involve people who may not be able to make the time commitment required by a regular board position. It also might appeal to recently retired individuals or professionals seeking meaningful volunteer opportunities on a limited basis. And it can be an ideal way to “test out” potential board members. If a spot opens on your current board and some of your advisory board members are interested in making a bigger commitment, you’ll have a ready pool of informed individuals from which to choose.

Just make sure that advisory board recruits understand their role. They aren’t involved in your organization’s governance and can’t introduce motions or vote on them. But they can propose ideas, make recommendations, and influence voting board members. Often, advisory board members organize campaigns and manage short-term projects.

When It’s Time To Move On

Advisory boards are often formed to address a specific organizational need, provide targeted guidance, or support a major initiative. Once those objectives have been achieved, it may make sense to sunset the group or reevaluate its purpose. Likewise, if an advisory board no longer aligns with your non-profit’s goals or requires more administrative support than your organization can reasonably provide, consider restructuring or disbanding it.

Thoughtfully managed boards can deliver meaningful value, especially when their mission and expectations are clearly defined. Contact us to discuss governance and financial strategies that can help your non-profit thrive.