Laura MacDonald, principal and founder of The Benefactor Group, joins Dave Cain to discuss considerations all business leaders should make before accepting a board position with a nonprofit organization.
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As a business leader, you’re expected to wear many hats. And for many professionals, sooner or later, one of your hats will likely say “volunteer” across the brim.
Volunteering can be a great way to give back to your community and the causes you care deeply about. But it can also be a really big responsibility, especially if you’re asked to sit on the board.
As the principal and founder of The Benefactor Group, Laura MacDonald, CFRE, is committed to working with nonprofits, donors, and civic leaders of all sizes. She knows all about the challenges these organizations face when trying to find an ideal candidate to join their boards, which is why she encourages all volunteers to take the time to consider what exactly is being asked of them before committing to such a major responsibility.
To help you reach a well-informed decision that will result in years of fulfilling philanthropy, on this episode of unsuitable on Rea Radio, Laura will explain some of the considerations you should make before joining a nonprofit board.
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what to ask when you’re asked to volunteer
If you are asked to join a board, before you commit, ask yourself the following questions:
- Why am I interested in serving on this board?
- Do I care about the mission of the organization?
- Do I like or admire the other board members?
There are also fringe benefits to joining an organization’s board, such as professional networking or development, but those shouldn’t be your main reasons for volunteering with an organization – you and the organization will get more out of your time if you care about the cause and are interested in working with the people already serving in the organization.
listen to learn more
If you are currently volunteering or are considering doing it in the future, listen to this episode of unsuitable on Rea Radio to learn more about:
- Setting expectations: time, talent, treasure, and testimony
- What policy governances are and how it is different from uber-management
- How to get the most from the experience of giving back
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articles & insight
Putting Board Governance & Policies In Perspective – Nonprofit board members: how well do you really understand your role in the organization?
Nonprofit Leaders: Protect Yourself From Personal Liability – Have you considered D&O liability insurance for your nonprofit? Read on to discover why you should.
Nature & Function Through The Eyes Of A Nonprofit – Nonprofit organizations have to report expenses by their nature and function. Are you ready?
Podcast | The Freedom Of A Rainy Day Fund – Learn about the importance of having an operating reserve for your nonprofit organization.
official transcript
Click here to read the official transcript for episode 190 on unsuitable on Rea Radio, “what should you do when joining a nonprofit board,” featuring Laura MacDonald, principal and founder of The Benefactor Group.
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