Welcoming new members onto your nonprofit organization’s board is more than a formality. It's a critical process that determines how effective and engaged they’ll be over the long term. Here are some practical steps to help ensure your onboarding strategy empowers new board members and prepares them to make meaningful contributions.

Clarify roles and provide resources

Start by articulating the board’s responsibilities and individual directors’ roles. Most board members will probably bring professional experience, but they may not be familiar with the nuances of nonprofit governance. Share board member job descriptions that outline fiduciary duties, meeting conventions, committee service and fundraising expectations. New members should also receive an onboarding packet that includes:

• Descriptions of your organization’s mission, vision and strategic plan,

• Recent financial statements and budgets,

• Bylaws and governance policies,

• Meeting schedules and past minutes, and

• Key staff and board member bios.

Such documentation enables new directors to understand your organization’s current position and long-term objectives. If you conduct performance reviews of board members, make sure they understand that the job’s responsibilities also involve accountability. You don’t want to spring performance reviews on these unsuspecting volunteers!

Introductory meetings

Onboarding isn’t only about sharing information. It’s also about building relationships. Schedule a welcome meeting with your board’s chair and your nonprofit’s executive director to provide a personalized introduction. Arrange for a board mentor or peer liaison to serve as a go-to resource for questions. And consider hosting informal gatherings or lunches to help integrate new members socially and foster a sense of community.

To ensure that new board members understand the nuts and bolts of the position, host a formal orientation session. Provide new members, particularly those from outside the nonprofit sector, with training on the basics of nonprofit accounting and fundraising. Attendees should be encouraged to ask questions, provide feedback and share their motivations for joining your board.

This is also a good opportunity for new members to learn about the various standing committees and decide where they'd like to serve. It’s essential to let them choose where they want to direct their energy, but you may want to steer them toward a committee that aligns with their skill sets and experiences.

Following up

The onboarding process doesn’t end after one board orientation or introductory meeting. Be sure to follow up with members at regular intervals to assess how they’re acclimating to the role and to provide additional resources and support as needed.