Volunteers have choices as to where to get involved and invest their time. They have expectations that their involvement will have a positive impact on the organization, that is, there’s a return on their investment of time. 
We know that donors are looking at how recipient nonprofits are using their investments to create a measurable impact. That is, demonstrating Return on Investment (ROI) is critical for a nonprofit to be successful in obtaining long term investments from major donors. But are nonprofit leaders looking at how they’re providing ROI for their board members?
As reflected on in previous blog posts, the right board members and structure can make or break a nonprofit’s success. Skillful CEOs work to constantly improve their boards by recruiting and engaging top level members. To retain those high performing board members, they need to have a reason to enthusiastically serve.
What’s in it for the Board member?
Good board members are certainly committed to the mission of the organization where they’re volunteering their time. But good board members also want to make an impact, to see that their efforts make a difference. These individuals are sought after by other nonprofits, so there is a “competition” for their time and energy. By seeing an ROI for their efforts – in how the board’s efforts are moving the needle for the organization’s mission and program recipients they have a reason to invest more of their time.
What can a CEO do?
The most important thing a CEO can do is make it easy to serve on the board. Board members shouldn’t have to “figure out” their specific role in the board or mission of the organization. Beyond that, it’s important for the CEO to provide opportunities for board members to see their impact. Regularly sharing data and metrics is a powerful way to demonstrate ROI and board members appreciate it. It’s also important for board members to have opportunities to see the impact of the organization on recipients. If appropriate, the CEO can structure opportunities for board members to interact with program participants and hear first hand how their efforts and those of the organization are making changes.
