Why Your Board Members Are Disengaged (And How to Fix It)

A few months ago, I asked nonprofit leaders a simple question:

“What’s your number one challenge right now?”

Time and money topped the list — no surprise there. But a close third caught my attention: board engagement (or more precisely, disengagement).

What Are the Expectations of Nonprofit Board Members?

When I see a disconnect like this, I always ask the same questions:

• What are the expectations of a board member?
• In other words, what do board members think their role is, and what does staff think it should be?
• Where is there misalignment?

I currently serve on two nonprofit boards. I attend most board meetings — both full board and committee meetings. I participate in discussions. I complete tasks when asked. I donate, though only modest amounts.

Here’s What I don’t do:

— volunteer for extra assignments;
— raise my hand to lead a committee;
— go out of my way to connect with staff or fellow board members outside of formal meetings.

If I’m being honest, I’d give myself a solid B as a board member. Reliable, but not exceptional.

Which made me wonder:

• What would staff give me?
• And more importantly, what would it take to get to an A?

That question leads to a more useful one for executive directors and board chairs:

What does a “C” board member look like? Are those the expectations we’re setting? And what’s the pathway to move each person up a grade?

In my own board experience, one thing is notably missing — relationships. Everything feels transactional and business-like. There’s no socializing, no real chance to get to know fellow board members as people.

And when board service feels like just another meeting on the calendar, it’s hard to feel genuinely invested.

How to Close the Board Member Engagement Gap

Here are three high-impact strategies to close the engagement gap:

1. Schedule semi-annual 1:1’s with every board member.

Twice a year, sit down individually with each board member (this can be done by staff and/or the board chair). Once to check in on their experience and set expectations (What’s working/not working? What would they like to do more of? Etc.) And another time to talk specifically about giving and fundraising.

These conversations accomplish two things:

1. they signal that their contribution (of time, money, and expertise) matters;
2. and they surface expectations mismatches before they become resentment.

2. Build in a regular social component.

Board members who know each other show up differently. Consider pairing new board members with experienced ones in a light mentorship structure.

Find small ways to make meetings feel less like business only. Open with a personal question, celebrate a member’s milestone, or create opportunities for board members to socialize or connect outside of board meetings. When people feel connected to each other and to the mission, engagement follows.

3. Share needs, challenges, and opportunities.

Periodically share needs, challenges, and opportunities with board members and engage them in helping find solutions.

You don’t need to have all the answers. The cliché “more heads are better than one” applies here. Provide board members with a chance to really help by being part of the solution.

Board Engagement Success Starts with You

Does every board member need to get an A? Certainly not. And not every board member will be fully engaged at every moment of their service. But you still play a pivotal role in helping board members become more engaged.