How Often Should Your Nonprofit Board Meet?
One of the first questions many new nonprofit founders ask is, “How often should my board meet?” The answer is: often enough to keep momentum, but not so often that your board members feel overburdened.
I remember joining a board that met quarterly. At first, I was thrilled – only four meetings a year! Fewer meetings sounded much easier to manage with my already-full schedule. But soon after, the board decided to meet more frequently, and I realized why.
Here’s the truth: board members leave meetings feeling energized. During the meeting, they’re reminded of the incredible work the organization is doing to serve the community – and why they joined the board in the first place. That renewed sense of purpose is powerful. But the further you get from a meeting, the easier it is for life, work, and other commitments to crowd out that motivation.
If your board only meets quarterly, by the time the next meeting comes around, much of that energy has faded. Tasks may have slipped through the cracks. Goals stall. Progress slows. On the other hand, monthly meetings strike a nice balance. They’re frequent enough to maintain focus and momentum, but not so frequent that they overwhelm busy volunteers.
Of course, the board itself isn’t the only engine of progress. Between meetings, committees should meet and remain active in getting the real work done. Committees allow board members to focus on specific areas—like fundraising, events, or programs—and then report back to the full board. This structure helps keep everyone accountable and ensures steady progress.
The bottom line:
Quarterly meetings are often too far apart to sustain energy.
Monthly meetings keep the board motivated, connected, and moving forward.
Active committees between meetings make sure goals turn into results.
If you want a board that feels engaged and effective, don’t underestimate the power of rhythm. Regular touchpoints keep everyone aligned with the mission – and excited about the impact you’re making together.
Until next time, keep leading with passion and purpose. 💌 Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Email me at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you.
