Right now, people are feeling the weight of uncertainty- and a rising urge to step up.
Those who once stayed on the sidelines are watching trusted institutions wobble, We’re seeing an extraordinary willingness to contribute – not just money, but time, expertise, and influence.
This is a window nonprofits should not overlook.
We’re seeing this first hand through conversations with people who can make a difference.
1. Revolved off another board
Barbara is a sharp, seasoned donor and board member who’s served on nonprofit boards for years. She recently shared how much she and her husband, both retired banking executives, are “enjoying giving our money away and seeing how our philanthropy is helping organizations”.
But she’s rattled by what she sees in the shifting American landscape.
“I’m going to get involved somehow, I’m just not sure how quite yet.”
Barbara is a real catch! She’s smart, steady, analytical – and available. She’s the kind of prospect most nonprofits dream of, yet she’s currently untapped.
How many Barbaras are we overlooking for our nonprofits?
2. Moved to a new community
Jerry recently stepped off of a community foundation board after moving across country. He’s smart, experienced in governance, ready to give – yet uninvolved.
We were chatting with him about nonprofit boards. “Don’t you think people are just fatigued and burned out with the turn of events in this country?” he commented.
My response: “If a nonprofit doing great work approached you to help them during this critical time, would you say yes?”
“Absolutely” he responded without hesitation.
3. Retired senior executive
Robert and his wife now spend half a year in a warmer climate. Screening tools enabled us to identify him for an organization on which he now serves on its board in his new home. His experience brings strategic insights, skills and expertise. Serving on a board provides him an engagement opportunity he’s able to give time to and enjoy.
The opportunity for your organization:
The people you want on your board are out there, paying attention and want to act. Where do you find them?
In addition to your board and donor connections,
- Advanced prospect research and analytic tools can identify prospects quickly.
- Your database of patrons, members, parents, grandparents, are full of prospects.
- Your social media post enthusiasts.
- Business publications reporting corporate placements.
They
- Revolve off boards.
- Retire and have more time for board service.
- Move to another city and are, as of yet. uninvolved.
What will make them join your board?
Focus on their interests and how by joining they have the power to make a difference.
- Many nonprofits default to:
- “We have an opening on our board…”
- But that often locks you into an invitation before you’ve even learned whether there’s a fit. And the best board prospects are selective about how they spend their time.
Instead, start with:
- What do they care about?
- What impact are they hoping to have in this moment?
- How might your mission align with their values, skills, and vision?
From there, show them what you’re offering:
- A meaningful way to make a difference.
- A clear role where their time and talents matter.
- A community of leaders working toward shared goals.
Be transparent. Be specific. Set clear expectations and show them how they’ll contribute. This is how you will attract-and retain-the right people.
“We’ve always needed smart people on our board. We need you now more than ever.”
A well-thought-out board engagement strategy-one that centers skills, expertise, and connection-helps you recruit with purpose and clarity. In moments of uncertainty, people want to step up. The window is open.
Nonprofits are facing what may be the most significant societal shifts of our era. Those we serve may need us more than ever, even as our vital revenue streams are diminished. Our nonprofit sector is a resilient community of dedicated professionals who have weathered immense challenges over the past five years. We will survive this too.
As Albert Einstein reminds us:
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
You are not alone. Let’s talk if you’re ready to develop a more strategic approach to board development during this opportune time. We are ready to help. We can survive this if we work together.
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