Common Nonprofit Board Development Challenges (and How to Address Them)

Nonprofit Learning Lab
2 days ago
4 min read

By Nonprofit Learning Lab

A strong and engaged nonprofit board is one of the most valuable assets an organization can rely on. Effective board members play a critical role in nonprofit governance, strategic planning, fundraising leadership, and building trust and credibility within the community. Even so, many nonprofit organizations experience board challenges related to role clarity, engagement, and overall effectiveness.

Nonprofit board development is the ongoing and intentional process of recruiting, onboarding, training, and supporting board members so they can successfully fulfill their governance responsibilities and advance the organization’s mission. When board development efforts lack structure, consistency, or shared expectations, boards may become disengaged, misaligned with staff leadership, or unable to contribute at their full capacity. Research consistently shows that boards with clear roles, diverse skills, and ongoing development are better positioned to provide strategic leadership and long-term stability (McKinsey & Company; Boardable).

What are the most common challenges in nonprofit board development today? Below, we examine four issues nonprofit organizations frequently encounter, along with practical strategies to strengthen board engagement and improve board performance.

What Are the Most Common Challenges in Nonprofit Board Development?

Nonprofit board development is not a one-time activity. It requires intentional planning, ongoing communication, and continuous learning. Organizations that invest in board development are better positioned to strengthen governance, support leadership, and sustain long-term impact.

The most common nonprofit board development challenges typically fall into four key areas: recruitment and retention, role clarity, fundraising expectations, and training gaps.

Recruitment & Retention

One of the most common nonprofit board development challenges is recruiting and retaining board members with the right mix of skills, perspectives, and commitment. Studies show that many nonprofits rely heavily on existing networks when recruiting board members, which can limit diversity, skills, and long-term engagement. Even when recruitment is successful, board members may disengage over time if expectations are unclear or support is limited.

Common challenges include:

Recruiting primarily from existing networks rather than through a strategic process
Limited diversity of skills, lived experience, or community representation
Board members disengaging after their first year
Unclear time, financial, or participation expectations

How to address recruitment and retention challenges:

Develop a recruitment plan based on organizational needs and board skill gaps
Clearly define board roles, responsibilities, and term limits
Implement a structured onboarding process for new board members
Regularly assess board engagement and participation

The Building an Effective Board of Directors guidebook offers practical strategies for board recruitment, training, and long-term engagement.

Roles vs. Responsibilities Confusion

Confusion between governance and management is a frequent barrier to effective board development. When roles are not clearly defined, boards may either micromanage staff or disengage from their governance responsibilities altogether. Experts suggest clearly distinguishing between board oversight and staff management is essential to preventing micromanagement and strengthening board-staff relationships.

Signs of role confusion include:

Board members getting involved in day-to-day operations
Staff uncertainty around decision-making authority
Meetings focused on tactical issues rather than strategy
Strained relationships between the board and executive leadership

How to address role confusion:

Clearly distinguish governance responsibilities from operational roles
Regularly review bylaws, policies, and committee charters
Provide governance training focused on fiduciary duties and oversight
Encourage open communication between board leadership and staff

Clear role definition allows boards to focus on strategy, accountability, and mission alignment.

Fundraising Expectations

Fundraising is often one of the most challenging and misunderstood aspects of board service. Many board members join without a clear understanding of what fundraising involvement looks like, leading to discomfort and unmet expectations.

Common fundraising challenges include:

Board members unsure how they are expected to support fundraising
Discomfort with donor outreach or solicitation
Inconsistent personal giving
Overreliance on a small number of board members

How to address fundraising challenges with board members:

Set clear and realistic fundraising expectations during recruitment
Emphasize multiple ways board members can support fundraising
Provide tools, talking points, and training to build confidence
Align board and staff around a shared case for support

The Developing a Case Statement worksheet helps staff and board members clearly articulate an organization’s mission, impact, and funding priorities – making fundraising conversations more effective and consistent.

Training Gaps for Board Members

Many nonprofits assume board members already understand nonprofit governance, finance, and compliance. In reality, board members often come from diverse professional backgrounds and benefit from ongoing education and support.

Common training gaps include:

Limited onboarding for new board members
Lack of ongoing governance or leadership training
Uncertainty around financial oversight and fiduciary responsibilities
Inconsistent use of board tools and systems

How to address training gaps:

Establish a consistent onboarding process for all new board members
Provide ongoing training through workshops, webinars, or retreats
Normalize learning and skill-building as part of board culture
Use technology to support communication and governance

Board management software can also strengthen board effectiveness by centralizing documents, meeting materials, and governance workflows. The Nonprofit’s Guide to Board Management Software guidebook explores how these tools support better governance and increase board engagement.

Strengthening Your Board Through Intentional Development

Addressing common nonprofit board development challenges requires clarity, consistency, and ongoing investment. When boards are well-trained, clearly aligned, and appropriately supported, they are better equipped to provide strategic leadership and advance an organization’s mission.

Explore Nonprofit Learning Lab’s board development courses and free leadership webinars to support your board and leadership team with practical tools, shared learning, and proven strategies for effective governance.