Why Nonprofit Board Prospects Say No

When someone declines an invitation to join a nonprofit board, it could be for more reasons than the organization might assume.

Board members participating in my Why Don’t Board Members Do What They’re Supposed to Do? survey were asked the reasons why they would not accept a board position. Their answers revealed “No” could actually have meaning that goes much deeper than “not enough time” or “not having a connection with the cause.”

Survey responses indicate a board turndown may be symptomatic of significant organizational issues.

According to survey participants, here are five specific red flag concerns having a negative influence on board prospect decisions:

• The board isn’t organized, and its goals aren’t clear.
• The current leadership is a turnoff.
• The current staff or board members are a turnoff.
• There’s a personal giving requirement, or there’s too much fundraising.
• It’s a board in name only, and not enough would be accomplished.

Here are three action steps to take when too many board prospects say No:

• Consider the possibility that your nonprofit’s efforts are being compromised by a less than positive reputation or a damaging perception, and address it.
• Create a dialogue in your recruitment process that allows honest feedback when a board prospect isn’t responding positively.
• Conduct a self-evaluation to determine possible causes when negative responses seem to be a trend.

When someone doesn’t accept an opportunity to serve on your board, be willing to get a candid assessment. Accept those comments as constructive criticism and a first step toward taking corrective action.

Understanding why prospects say Yes helps ensure successful board recruiting. However, understanding why they say No can be equally important to the overall success of achieving your nonprofit’s mission.