A nonprofit board member’s contribution to a nonprofit is a unique form of volunteering—one that carries not only prestige and purpose, but also legal and strategic responsibilities. Unfortunately, board members often join feeling unprepared, unsure of their role, and disconnected from the organization’s mission. In the webinar "What Board Members Wish They Knew," Matt Hugg of Nonprofit.Courses and Nate Nordstrom of Easy Board shared their insights and personal stories about what it takes to keep board members informed, engaged, and empowered. This session offered a valuable blueprint for nonprofit leaders aiming to transform their board engagement.

Why People Join Boards—and Why That Matters

Board members don't join at random—they’re motivated by personal values, connections, or professional goals. Whether they’re socialites, faith-driven, or investors, understanding what motivates each board member helps organizations meaningfully engage these individuals. Board service should align with personal purpose and offer opportunities for members to see the impact of their time and contributions.

Poor Onboarding Creates Lasting Disengagement

A common experience shared by both Matt and Nate was the lack of orientation when joining a board. Nate recalled his own confusion: months went by before he fully understood what was expected of him. This isn’t unusual—many nonprofits hand new members a dense board book, leaving them to figure it out on their own. But without clear guidance, members may stay silent—unsure of how to contribute—which may lead to members disengaging entirely. Board members who aren’t given the tools to succeed can’t effectively support the mission.

Empathy Over Embarrassment: Building Confidence Through Clarity

Board disengagement is often rooted in fear of embarrassment, not disinterest. Many people hesitate to ask questions during meetings—especially about financials or legal responsibilities—because they don’t want to look uninformed. Creating a culture that welcomes questions and prioritizes clarity helps alleviate that fear. Offering low-pressure learning opportunities, like one-on-one orientations or short explanation videos, can make a huge difference in how confident and capable a board member feels.

Orientation Should Be Ongoing, Not One-and-Done

A good onboarding process isn’t a single meeting—it’s a thoughtful, ongoing introduction to the organization. Rather than overwhelming new members with information all at once, nonprofits should break orientation into smaller, digestible pieces. Spread across a few weeks or months, these sessions can cover everything from board responsibilities and mission context to meeting norms and financial basics. Personal touches—like introductions to other board members and mission stories—help build relationships and reinforce commitment.

Legal Clarity Eases Anxiety

Board service carries legal implications, which causes uncertainty and anxiety. Matt emphasized that most states offer legal protections for board members acting in good faith, and that organizations should ensure every member understands their rights and responsibilities. Directors and officers (D&O) insurance should be clearly explained, and board members should be encouraged to complete the same clearances and training as frontline staff, both for transparency and team solidarity. Nate added that understanding the legal structure of their authority—especially in crisis situations—is critical.

Demystifying the Finances

For many, the financial aspect of board service is the most intimidating. Nonprofit financials often follow different rules than those of the for-profit world, and this can confuse even experienced professionals. Nate suggested that executive directors or board chairs take time during onboarding to walk new members through a basic financial statement. This small step helps board members feel more confident during meetings and reduces the likelihood that they’ll stay silent when decisions are being made.

Connection Is the Key to Engagement

Matt and Nate highlighted the importance of helping board members feel connected—not just to the mission, but to one another. A well-connected board is more likely to be collaborative, communicative, and committed. Whether it’s providing directories with member bios, encouraging informal social time, or highlighting shared goals, nonprofits should be intentional about building relationships within the board.

Conclusion

Board members want to help. They say “yes” to service because they believe in the cause—but belief alone isn’t enough to ensure engagement. Nonprofits must give their boards the tools, clarity, and support they need to be successful. As Matt and Nate emphasized throughout the webinar, thoughtful onboarding, open communication, and a little empathy go a long way in turning uncertain volunteers into confident, engaged leaders.

If you're looking to strengthen your board engagement, start by asking: “What do my board members wish they knew?” The answers might surprise you—and they’ll certainly guide you toward stronger, more sustainable leadership.

Arianna is the Program Analyst at Civic Champs. She earned her undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently a Juris Doctor Candidate at St. Mary’s School of Law. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her rescue dogs.