What questions should you ask and what documents should you review before

agreeing to serve on a board?

By David T. Chura
http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtchura/

Being generous with your time, talent and treasure is a noble virtue and a way to give back and support the
causes and missions that are important to you. Further, organizations need committed board members who can
help the organization achieve success. Your time is valuable and you’ll want to make sure you spend the limited
time you do have making the greatest contribution and impact possible.

Here are some tips to consider before agreeing to join a board. Asking these questions can help ensure you have
a rewarding experience and are a good fit for the organization as well.

Request and review the following documents from the organization:

• Copies of past two meeting agendas, minutes and financials.
• Copy of most recent 990 and financial audit or review documents.
• List of current board members and their terms/service
• Copy of the organization's constitution, bylaws and policies/procedures
• Copy of the strategic plan
• Copy of board member/officer job descriptions/board member agreement-expectations
• List of committees

Ask these questions:

• How often does the board meet and for how long?
• Do all meetings have agendas provided ahead of time?
• How soon before a meeting are meeting materials distributed?
• Are board and committee meetings social events or action-oriented?
• What committee responsibilities will I have?
• What are the top two issues the board anticipates dealing with in the next year?
• What is a realistic estimate of the amount of time I will need to devote to my role on the board?
• Why does the organization feel I am a good fit for the board?
• What skills, experience or connections do I have that the board feels would be useful?
• How long are terms of service?
• Is the organization currently a party to any litigation?
• What insurance coverage does the board have?
• Should I be aware of any board politics or trip-wire issues?
• Do meetings typically start on time and have a quorum?

Other resources:
• Get feedback from past and current board members.
• http://www.bridgespan.org/Publications-and-Tools/Nonprofit-Boards/Find-and-Join-a-Nonprofit-
Board/What-Should-I-Know-Before-Joining-Board.aspx
• http://www.jameslfahey.com/20-questions-to-ask-before-joining-a-small-non-profit-board/
• http://nonprofit.about.com/od/volunteers/bb/serveboard.htm