Recruiting Women to Your Board
Date published: September 2024
Published in Giving Tomorrow
Puvlished PDF File: Recruiting Women to Your Board
Research consistently shows that greater female representation enhances board performance. For instance, a recent study by BoardSource revealed that nonprofits with more gender diversity were better at fulfilling their mission.
Another study by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy emphasized diversity's significance in fostering engaged and active members.
Furthermore, a recent report from MSCI highlighted that boards benefit from substantial female representation, leading to better decision-making and organizational performance. Another MSCI study emphasized that gender diversity strengthens the connection between the board and
the communities they serve, contributing to the nonprofit’s impact. Therefore, recruiting influential women to boards is not merely about social justice; it is strategic for organizational success.
With over 15 years of experience working with NYC boards, I learned that women bring invaluable talent, unique perspectives, and extensive community networks. Identifying women’s motivations for seeking a board role can enhance both board effectiveness and women’s sense of fulfillment.
Why Do Women Join Nonprofit Boards?
Understanding women’s motivations for pursuing board positions is crucial for crafting effective recruitment strategies. Insights from my doctoral dissertation on women's leadership on nonprofit boards (Teachers College, Columbia University, 2022) highlight key motivations:
1. Passion for the mission: Women are often drawn to nonprofit board service by a deep-seated commitment to the organization's mission and values. They seek opportunities to make a tangible impact on issues they care about deeply. They will invest their time, money and personal resources when they feel passionate about the cause, and when they trust the organizational leadership in effectively advancing that mission. Women lead with their heart, which is very powerful, especially in the philanthropic arena.
2. Giving back to the community: Women, increasingly independent, see their service as both a privilege and a social responsibility. Being invited to serve on a nonprofit board is a cherished opportunity to become an ambassador of change. Some women are already engaged in volunteer roles in the communities (i.e., their children’s schools, alma mater, professional associations, or local drives). They are familiar with the collaborative environments, budgeting, organizing fundraising campaigns and hosting events. Therefore, women who are already visible as community leaders are ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference, bringing valuable experience and energy to the board.
3. Professional development: Serving on a nonprofit board offers women exceptional opportunities for skill development, networking, and leadership experience. There is a unique opportunity for boards to seek women of all ages and from various walks of life that would be interested in broadening their expertise and exercising executive roles. This is especially appealing for board members who are interested in appealing to young professionals or “empty nesters,” offering them a fulfilling role that would be an excellent platform for fostering their self-growth.
4. Sense of community and connection: Nonprofit boards provide women with a sense of belonging, allowing them to collaborate with like-minded individuals and build meaningful relationships. Board service offers a space for women to connect with peers, mentors, community activists and new friends, who share their passion for making a difference.
“Board service offers a space for women to connect with peers, mentors, community activists and new friends, who share their passion for making a difference.”
Strategies to Recruit and Elevate Women on the Board
Building on the motivational factors and benefits outlined above, here are some strategies for effectively recruiting and retaining women on nonprofit boards:
Define the role:
Assess the current composition of your board and identify the professional skills, networks, financial capacity, and personal attributes that prospective female board members should possess. When profiling the ideal candidate, be realistic and open-minded. Effective board members may not always come from traditional executive roles; they could be role models in other fields with unique insights and experiences.
Tailor recruitment messages:
Craft recruitment messages that resonate with women's motivations and interests. Highlight the opportunities for leadership development, networking, and personal fulfillment that board service offers. Emphasize how their involvement can drive meaningful change and align with their personal values.
Engage existing networks:
Leverage the existing networks of women leaders, professionals, and philanthropists to identify potential board candidates. Encourage current board members and key community partners to reach out to their connections and establish personal relationships with prospective candidates. This approach can create a more inclusive and inviting recruitment process.
Do your research:
Before inviting a woman to join your board, research her background and understand her motivations. Seek someone who will be a good fit for the culture of the board. During your meeting, clearly articulate the value she can bring and the impact of her skills. Be transparent about the commitment and responsibilities, ensuring she can balance them with her personal and professional life. Initial meetings should be conversational rather than formal interviews. If full board service seems too demanding, suggest starting with a project or committee role as an initial step.
Provide training and support:
Offer training and support programs to help newcomers develop the skills and confidence needed for effective board service. Provide resources on nonprofit governance, fundraising, strategic planning, and other relevant topics. For existing board members, collaborate with experts, workshops, and strategic retreats that would not only support their ability to lead but would also enhance the teamwork and the human connection within the board.
Mentorship and sponsorship:
Establish mentorship and sponsorship programs to support women as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of board service. For example, pair new board members with retired board members or experienced mentors who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement. Such support systems can help women acclimate to their roles and maximize their impact in the organization.
Recognize and celebrate contributions:
Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of women board members by highlighting their achievements, leadership, and impact on the organization. Recognize their leadership in public forums, annual reports, social media and other communication channels. This not only validates their efforts but also inspires other women to consider board service.
Bridging the Gender Gap
By understanding women's motivations, articulating the benefits of board service, and implementing targeted recruitment strategies, nonprofits can attract and retain talented women leaders who will drive positive change and advance their missions. Bridging the gender gap in nonprofit boardrooms requires a commitment to creating environments where women can thrive, lead, and make a lasting impact.
Dr. Pazit Levitan, EdD CFRE
Pazit Levitan, Ed.D. CFRE is a seasoned nonprofit executive who serves on the board of AFP-NYC, an AFP-NYC Mentorship Committee Member, and a Mentor in AFP-NYC and AFP’s Women’s Impact Initiative. Pazit is the Founder of a boutique advisory firm called The Path to Impact for nonprofit leaders, where she inspires success through strategic counsel with proven, practical tactics and a personal approach.
