Starting a Nonprofit: Must-have Board of Directors roles

Starting a nonprofit organization and wondering what board of directors roles you need to have? Here are 8 must-have board members you need for your startup nonprofit. #Nonprofit #leadership #Nonprofits
I work full time for the 501c3 nonprofit I started many years ago and recruiting great board members was a key part of making the organization a success. Having a solid board of directors will be critical in figuring out how to start a nonprofit organization, especially if you’re starting a nonprofit with no money first.
If you are starting a 501c3 charitable organization, thinking about it, or know someone who is trying to start a nonprofit, I hope this helps!
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// MORE ABOUT ME
Hi! I’m Amber, a nonprofit founder, Executive Director, and public speaker on social impact, changemaking, nonprofits, leadership, and more. Want me to come speak at your business, college, school, or event or interested in consulting for your nonprofit? Reach out: ambermsmith.com/
My Nonprofit Founder to Full-Time Academy -- with online trainings to guide you through the steps to start a nonprofit and more -- is now LIVE! foundertofulltime.com/
On Facebook? Talk to me and other change makers about social change, nonprofits, social enterprise, leadership and more in my Facebook group, Change the World or Bust: / changetheworldorbust
Join my newsletter! ambermsmith.com/blog/newsletter/
I'm also on Twitter: / ambermelsmith
Pics of me and my cute dog on Instagram: / ambermelsmith

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

My Nonprofit Founder to Full-Time Academy -- with online trainings to guide you through the steps to start a nonprofit and more -- is now LIVE! foundertofulltime.com/

[@harlemdakey]

Hey, love your content. Question: Does founder have a role as well?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@harlemdakey Definitely! A Founder is typically one of the Board members when an organization first starts. Sometimes a Founder can become paid staff later (but then they generally lose their Board voting power).

[@harlemdakey]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Wow Thanks . So basically all board members lose their power when becoming staff?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@harlemdakey "Power" is a subjective term (there's plenty of influence staff can have) but essentially you can't vote on hiring yourself or what to pay yourself - so you can't be both paid and have a vote (it's a conflict of interest).

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

That's why I always suggest that if retaining 100% control over an organization is your goal you should start a for-profit business instead. A nonprofit is not owned by any one person, even the founder - it is a public-serving entity accountable to its community.

[@kimberlyray3687]

We are 5 years old and some days I feel like I still don’t know what Im doing. Your videos are very helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Happy to help! It's a journey for sure!

[@patiencehopkins4354]

I am on day 1. This board thing really confuses me.

[@nicholaschuma6304]

For real😳

[@arocks1234567]

Bod help company achieve its goals Organization bylaws 1- chairman- agenda, leading 2- vice chairman- assists chairman 3- secretary- keeps records on votes 4-treasurer- over sees status and gives reports to the rest 5- program expert- running programs, measuring efficiency. 6- socially connected person- good with networking, introductions for grants, sponsorship 7- fundraising experience with non profit 8- marketing and public relations.. raise awareness

[@arocks1234567]

Talking about mission story, our why and how Future budgets and fundraising plans Networking speaking publicly Getting volunteers. Act in a leadership capacity

[@Sauceworldmusic]

I need this service

[@nsubugajulius3935]

Thank you! You are really helping us...

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@danmarquez3971]

Thank you still again, Amber! You are changing the world profoundly. Wow! Keep up the great work!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Very kind of you. :) Thank you for being a part of the channel!

[@hostilejakeover]

Thanks so much for putting this together. Short, precise and to the point. Subbed to hear more!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Awesome, thank you!

[@nzubechukwuogamba1550]

You are just phenomenal. Thank you! Your videos have been so helpful

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@darafinnegan2578]

Thank you once again. Watching your videos every morning.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😊

[@mickismith6962]

I am so grateful. Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're so welcome! Hope it helped!

[@bradhouston4734]

Thanks for all the great info!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You bet!

[@scottwhitley5542]

Wow, so much meaningful information in this video. I felt lost before this video, but not now. Thank you so much, Amber!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad it was helpful!

[@QasimBanoori]

Thankyou for your guideline .. you are really helping social workers .. keep it up .

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad to hear that! Social workers deserve all the love!

[@antinwo3664]

Very informative and easy to understand. Straight forward no wasting time. Love it. Good presentation.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@praveenvarma1369]

Thank you so much Amber.... great help!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@conquerorsassemblellc7806]

You are such a blessing thank you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@matonakelly732]

Thank you so much for this wonderful piece of vital information. I am about to start my own organization and i thought i know it all, you have actually shed some light on something i didn't know.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! I'm so glad to hear that.

[@ocanseyjamesteye4543]

Thank you very much Amber, your videos speak directly to issues

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@sandaliwanigasinha7857]

Wow - thank you for all of the useful information! This helps me so much :)

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@undiagnosticonotedefine1125]

Tremendous video! Thank you so much, Amber!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're so welcome!

[@christycloutier4380]

Finishing my last couple of terms for my masters in organizational human services. Your videos are helping me tremendously as I am a visual learner and can grasp so much more from these than from my textbooks

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! I'm so glad to hear that! Congrats on your masters!

[@queencare_itsamomthing]

Thanks, friend! This was really helpful, and felt more like a coffee date than an info session. Much appreciated.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Oh I love that! Thanks for watching. :)

[@morenikejininiola4021]

Thank you so much Amber. I am a new subscriber and this is my second year running my non-profit and your video is such an eye opener. Really helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@pellagiamamvuto9361]

Your videos are made specifically for me. Thank you🥺🥺 I’m in the pre stages of starting mine

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Good luck with everything!

[@jacquelyndonald2115]

Thanks so much great information shared!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@renee92jones34]

Great video! You have given me so much direction and I have only watched 3 videos! I will come back later after putting into action what I have learned so far, which is a lot. Thank Ashlee for sharing your expertise. You are such a blessing!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Oh yay, I'm so happy to hear the videos are helping!!

[@abubakarrjalloh148]

Thanks for positively affecting lives in the world.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Aw, thanks, that's kind of you! There are so many great people doing great work out there!

[@arjelofranzchristmiso7594]

Thank you Melanie for this tip... Such a big help❤

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sdotonye]

Thank you for such great information!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@happytodayou]

Thanks for this Amber, the topic (Must have board Directors Roles)is helpful for identifying where I start sourcing and finding the ideal candidates to be a team player for my project. Your good, Thank you!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're so welcome!

[@metadelic6338]

Thank you for the well detailed information 🙏

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DonFassbender]

Thank you for the great advice, Amber. I'm a new subscriber and am looking to start a new nonprofit. I'm sure you'll be a great help to me in my future endeavors.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Welcome!

[@chefzelalem]

You are kind and helpful, Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@maroworld4304]

You are amazing professional person , thank you 🙏🏽

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you for the kind words :)

[@brianscoggins4598]

Absolutely love your videos

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Hope they are helping!

[@user-yf1nc8co6h]

Great composition @Amber this is helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So happy to hear that!

[@amandahayes2306]

I have the most Amazing non profit idea. It's the Facebook of nonprofits and I can not say THANK U LOUD ENOUGH!!! U have given me some amazing tools and advice. You've also given me so much more CONFIDENCE!! THANK U

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad it helped!!! Go get 'em!

[@abadirdulla8234]

thank you so much its wonderful guide for my organization

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@queequee]

thank you !!! very informative

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeanetteshoemakerpriest9008]

Thank you ,,,! Of all the videos best advice I have found yet ,,! What a struggle I have had ,!! Who ,what , when , where etc.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You bet!

[@valeriejames5283]

This amazing Amanda thank you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@aquaculture8028]

I love these videos!!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😊

[@oliveneburke3409]

I'm excited to start something that I have been thinking about for years

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Good luck!

[@scottmillisor832]

This video was super helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad, Scott!!

[@GetHorrorfiedORL]

I came accross your channel, and I found it very informative. Thank Youbso much for the great info Amber!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GetHorrorfiedORL]

@@AmberMelanieSmith I have a question about Board of Directors. Can you have 4 BOD on a Board ? (President, VP, Treasurer, Secretary) Or does it have to be an odd number like 3 or 5 for voting purposes?

[@ambercharmayne]

Thank u so much 4 this vid

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome! :)

[@kristinanunez1407]

Thank you very precise and informative.. I am starting from a vision and a plan

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it was helpful! :)

[@savingwomenandchildrenfoun3090]

We celebrating our 2nd year anniversary on 05/07/21, we are still toddlers in this. Your videos have been really helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad to hear they have helped!

[@lonycash3654]

You have helped me so much... I’m jumping out on my own after waiting for years trying to find someone help me get started... if you want it done you have to do it yourself I guess.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You got this!

[@subsistence73]

Whew goooooddd information

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Glad it helped.

[@SUPWA21]

Great suggestions!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay, hope they were helpful!

[@winnieomojo8544]

Thank you very much for this Video. I am from nigeria and I just registered an NGO with the government wintegfoundation. Helping children/students in the ruler area with school fee and school materials. Watching this video has giving me much ideas to continue. Thanks a lot.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BSKBDM]

I have just subscribed ur channel. Thanks for such a informative video!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for the sub!

[@nickbunch4645]

Thanks!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you SO much Nick!!

[@Sasitm-dr2vt]

Thank you so much ma'am

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Most welcome 😊

[@luweedsichi8970]

Lweendo Hachamba from Zambia🇿🇲 ! Recently registered a non profit to address some SDGs im passionate about in my community and country a large. I'm glad I ran into this is I am looking for opportunities to grow , partner and successfully run my ngo. New subscriber alert !

[@roberttucker5776]

Yes. Business Plan, an actual fundraiser "beginning to end" actual vlog of problems and solutions to the actual goal being reached or not.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Ok, I'll see about making a video about this!

[@maxcarter3413]

Great video!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks!

[@rosiechapman9984]

great video!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

What stage are you at in starting a nonprofit? What types of board members are you seeking now?

[@mecahodge5342]

Amber Melanie SmithHow many board members do I need?

[@wolf-wk4ns]

you have my respect for all this knowledge

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@mecahodge5342 It depends on what the laws of your state say! Usually at least 3-4 minimum. It can also be beneficial to have a larger board, depending on the mission / size of the organization.

[@chrishawnamcclain8442]

I started my non profit in 2018 was doing everything alone n got drained! I had family and friends without passion on my board. Now Im ready to restart everything but have no clue how to find the correct board members. I have my website godsvision.info, 501c3 and more. I need to raise enough money for our first house (transitional shelter for women and children). I was homeless going shelter to shelter with my kids and now Im an entrepreneur of 3 for profit businesses and the non profit. I want to show women that just bc your in your pit, with God centered it’s not the end! Give my testimony and restore hope

[@rehanaparvin8394]

Looking for sub executive members. Ex: expert in graphic. PR

[@astoldbyabi]

This was actually super duper helpful! Thank you for your time 😊 In your opinion to keep the initial board on the leaner side (since I am one person trying to get this non-profit started) would it be a bad idea to combine the marketing and socially connected roles into one?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Sure, you can combine whatever roles you think are best! I was just providing a framework to start from. It's more about what skills you think you need for the given year. You should always aim to recruit the board members based on what skills are required to achieve your organization's specific goals for that year.

[@user-yf1nc8co6h]

Nice trainings Amber . Following from Sierra Leone West Africa

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@raymondndeulemuzumala4605]

@Amber I am following the video and learning. I am in Lusaka Zambia and my friends and I a planing on opening an NGO. I will certainly be touch with you for more lessons

[@nicholaschuma6304]

That’s super duper😃I’m Zambian but I’m China and I’ve been thinking of that too😅

[@ericineson7568]

Hi Amber, I was just wondering where you learned all this information., Love your videos, thanks

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hi! From many years starting and running my own organization, and engaging with hundreds of nonprofits!

[@ericineson7568]

@@AmberMelanieSmith That's amazing, thanks for your reply! I'm learning how to start a NPO and your videos are really informative! thank you.

[@JamesJones10]

I was the 1000th like! Yay!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😎

[@JamesJones10]

@@AmberMelanieSmith I have owned and operated a production company for the last 5 years. We have done a bit of everything. Events, weddings, small business commercials for web use, portraits, you name it we have done it. In the past year, we have been focusing on real estate, but that has slowed down to the point that is no longer viable. I have been interested in starting a non-profit for years but did not know how my skills could work in that field without just volunteering my services. Which I have done several times. After watching your video "How Successful Nonprofits Fundraise when Starting and Growing" I realized, maybe I could. At the 20:40 mark, you mentioned Creating compelling digital content. That is something my team can do! With that in mind, my mission would never be complete. I would be in a collaborative support role, working with other non-profits. Documenting their fundraising events, and delivering photos for their marketing and branding. I could also make video ads for them to get exposure and grow. Does this sound like a realistic idea? I would never run out of work because there is always an organization to help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[@nosihlezibane]

I am starting and in College and I don't know what I am doing but I willing to learn

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Learn all you can! There's so much to know but don't let not knowing everything keep you from starting!

[@karenconyers8531]

You can call socially connected a "networking member" or "network director"

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😎 Nice!

[@gracekikoti1528]

I learn lot from u

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I am happy the videos are helpful to you!

[@wildindigomoon2344]

Thank you so much! I am putting myself through KZbin school to start a (501c3) so I can start a huge, multilayered community garden. I need tones of help because before when I have been apart of other projects I have always been the worker bee volunteer and not really in the office. I wish I could just set down with someone like you who has come so far and pick your brain for a while.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I hope these videos help you out - thank you so much for watching!

[@patricelockertanthony7630]

Hey there! If you ever want to talk about, or pick my brain, let me know. I'd be happy to help. Your work would be awesome as a 501c3! I have a combined total of about 30 years on boards (non profit, for profit, and, as you know, cooperative).

[@sarinasgrowthopenbookrehab9854]

@@patricelockertanthony7630 Hi, I'd be delighted to share in this opportunity. Is there some way we can set up a Zoom. I'd love to share my ideas for your wisdom. Its so important to get started on the right note rather than unravel tons of mistakes.

[@SW-vu5zh]

@@patricelockertanthony7630 hey I seen your comment offering help. I would like to start my own non profit. Would you offer the same help to me?

[@gabycalvo2338]

Qq

[@munnasatoz]

Very useful mam

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I am glad to hear it!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Nonprofit Founder to Full-Time Academy is launching soon! I've heard from SO many amazing people who want to make an impact in their communities by starting a nonprofit AND find a way to do it Full Time that I'm launching the Founder to Full-Time Academy, which will include online training, materials, and support for folks starting up. If you're interested, let me know here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgEzf-dRU9VAE67xqbh29_hSceejM0kQHxIQL5RpoHvVxneg/viewform

[@sn6720]

i want please

[@zatastic4352]

Would you consider a paid consult before your course? I have been eagerly waiting and cannot wait any longer. Please let me know. I would prepay course too if that helps

[@andresfelipemolanomartinez4131]

Hi Amber, your videos have been very useful and helpful; this one in particular. I’ve got a question: You mentioned some links in your videos and I am unsure if they are down below the video description or if they are not. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! I usually try to include relevant links in the description below each video, yes!

[@jyotikamboj8049]

Great videos. This information is really helpful!! Just a suggestion that please use Chairperson, instead Chairman. 😛

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Oh yes! I usually catch that - thank you!!

[@gracekikoti1528]

Thanks in advance

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're very welcome!

[@MauriceRivers415]

Research shows that term limits are common among nonprofit boards. In 2021, BoardSource12 reported that 54% of nonprofit boards of directors have term limits, and provided sound reasons for boards to set such limits. Term limits provide numerous benefits, including: Making it easier to diversify a board, which can bring new ideas and new perspectives to the board and its decision-making process. Enabling a board to avoid stagnation, fatigue, boredom, and loss of commitment that can set in when board members serve for a long duration. Enabling a board to avoid the concentration of power in a subset of board members and the intimidation of new members by this dominant group. Raising awareness of and providing opportunities to change and improve a board’s group dynamics. Providing a respectful and efficient mechanism for passive, ineffective, or troublesome members to leave a board. Enlarging a board’s circle of committed supporters as members leave the board over time. Enabling a board to easily adjust its membership to reflect the changing needs of the organization the board oversees.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yup!

[@alulujnrsinto]

Am kevin alulu Founder and Director of sinto Charity Organization we are registered by the government of Kenya as CBO. The group was founded in 2017. Thanks alot for this videos of yours

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@thepepnet]

Thank you so much for the knowledge. Do you have suggestions on how to disband already existing board members before their tenure ends while maintaining good relationship with them afterwards.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

They would need to be voted off the board in accordance with your Bylaws. What do your Bylaws say about how to remove current Board members?

[@roberttucker5776]

Taking the next step towards 501 (c) 3 status - excited Nervous - won't be able to raise the money needed to start the educational program before I get 501 (C) 3 status.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

It's all a journey! Enjoy the fun parts too. As for raising the money, what's your business plan?

[@lenievillarante6611]

Hi Coach Amber, good day! It’s an honor to meet you here.BTW. I have a few questions that I’d like to get address. Would it be necessary for a founder to be elected as a chairman of the board? If he/she won’t be elected as a chairman of the board would he/she have the power to control anything when things get rough? Please help as I have just started running this Humanitarian organization and I look forward to seeing its success. Thank you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! The founder does not have to be Chairperson specifically (though they can be); the Board votes according to your org bylaws and most bylaws involve a mechanism to vote people into different positions. The hope is for the board to work together in harmony and work through problems together! There's certainly such a thing as "board drama" but put your values and expected rules up front and that will help.

[@roberttucker5776]

This video was helpful. Understanding you are trying to put together a team that is able to execute the business plan. By the way......business plan? How many times do you have to revise revise revise the business plan before you say? "I am wasting too much time with not knowing enough of the help or roadblocks that are out there in the way of our business plan." "Getting professional help may cost, but you have a better chance of obtaining the goals you have in place to evaluate metrics."

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Would having a video about a business plan help?

[@serenityintrovert]

This is a great video. I'm in the beginning stages of starting a nonprofit. As far putting a board together do they go through an interview process? And do you have a video on writing descriptions for board members positions? Thank you!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I recommend an interview (there's no one-size-fits-all rule on that) because getting to know someone personally helps! I don't have a video on descriptions yet but that's a good idea! I'll also be offering templates for those (and many other things) in a new online training I'll be launching soon.

[@serenityintrovert]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Hi. Thank you so much for the reply. That would be great about the templates. I will definitely look out for your training. Happy New Year to you!!

[@mroberts2738]

Great idea! Descriptions for volunteers and board members is on my radar for this year!

[@frankligas2249]

Thanks for the video. Just found your channel. Good info. Thumbs up. I am investing a lot of my time helping a local MakerSpace build and grow. I poked and nagged the founders into asking the county for help with a funding issue and shazam! They say they have two million they could toss their way. Awesome!......... but they need documented board members not just a think-tank of friends pretending they are official. New video suggestion: What are the legal implications for board members? If the Nonprofit gets sued, are they on the hook? If the nonprofit goes bankrupt, are they financially responsible to pay the bad debt? I have never served on a board before and am not quite sure what I am getting myself into.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yeah, good question! Incorporating and getting Board & Officers insurance covers much the protection needed for liability. Board members would have to be pretty negligent otherwise.

[@roberttucker5776]

It would be nice if you had chat seminars that cost money to join in order to get more direct solutions from your perspective.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

What kinds of questions would you want answers to in such seminars? I might be open to hosting a webinar.

[@11219tt]

Thanks for your knowledge!!! Do you have a list of things to do when founding a nonprofit??? I am looking into LegalZoom to take care of the legal documents? But I would like to have resources for what other stuff needs to get done. Example board members, bylaws, and other stuff. I’m so confused!!! Lol

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! There are some good checklists online depending on the state you're in. As for board members, etc. I have some other videos that may help! Starting a Nonprofit: Recruit a Board of Directors (Step by Step) kzbin.info/www/bejne/en29k2qJpNSNbrc Starting a Nonprofit: Design a Board of Directors application (Step by Step) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpS5YnmqnN6of5Y How to start a Nonprofit Organization (and actually succeed) kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6vGfYuPg6mAZ7s

[@willieakpan9272]

Your videos are really helpful to me. I wish I could have a direct interaction with you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad the videos have been helpful!!

[@Bornclutch62]

Thanks for the videos!! Awesome knowledge! I have a question; does the founder have the right to remove board members if necessary or does it have to be voted on by the rest of the board members?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

The organization's bylaws dictate how an organization would be governed and rules surrounding board remember removals and selection. Typically boards would vote on something like that. I will say though that a rule that gives one person removal power would probably be a big red flag to board members, donors, and supporters. A nonprofit is meant to be governed by elected board members who represent the community and can have their voices heard; it might be hard to recruit board members who would be willing to be in such an environment.

[@dariolizancos7417]

This is great information. Thank you for sharing, Amber. I have a question. My best friend and I are starting a nonprofit and we are going to be lightly compensated for the services rendered. Does that mean we should not be Directors of the Board? Or is there a possibility to be non-voting members of the Board of Directors?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! I cover this in a few other videos but in short - board members cannot vote whether and how much to be paid. Board members are unpaid volunteers, but can vote to hire staff, and vote on the salary of that staff. Staff cannot vote to hire themselves, nor what their salary should be. Your board would have to vote whether to compensate you and how much (and you would not be able to vote for yourself - that is a conflict of interest).

[@dariolizancos7417]

@@AmberMelanieSmith wow thank you again. I'll make sure to watch your other videos!

[@roberttucker5776]

IN 2 days meeting with a lawyer to seek legal advice for Educational program contracts adopting from another nonprofit from the east coast, the U.S. to see if it will qualify under the guidelines of the 501 (c) 3 status. If it does onward to the Mission!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Congrats! What are you most excited / nervous about?

[@torimarshall1383]

It is best to have a board with uneven numbers when there are areas where Board of Directors must vote.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yes! This is a good tip; we do this at my organization.

[@roberttucker5776]

Beginning Stages. The meeting with lawyer went well; Education Program fits guidelines for 501 (C) 3 Status. More importantly, I was guided to Community Partners (Los Angeles). They will be able to provide Fiscal Sponsorship. Which coincidently provides your first BOD's. I am preparing a proposal to be selected by their committee. Regarding Fundraisers, we are going to start off with Pledge Letters to check interest and our skills for asking for money. I am going to try to get some PR time, hopefully in time for Kentucky Derby; help in pointing folks to the website to donate. Did you ask what we were about (lol)? We are trying to stop the Equine Fatalities (starting with Santra Anita Race Track), by reeducating the Equine Grooms to be more like Horse Whisperers. By adding Equine psychological behavior observations to go with a scientific understanding of horse motions and movements. Also, be able to record such in a daily journal. Giving Trainers more Certified eyes to watch for potential threats to the Equine Athletes health they are in the care of. Thanks for PR Time.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Wow! That sounds fascinating. I love animals and I think working to understand each other is so important. What do you think some of your biggest challenges will be?

[@hyungmin20161]

Hey Amber, do you know anything about earning incoming through affiliate marketing for nonprofit? for example, are you allowed to use amazon link on your youtube videos?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So, a nonprofit in theory could try to raise money through affiliate marketing, however, the IRS would view that as "unrelated business income" since the affiliate marketing has nothing to do with the charitable mission of the organization - and would likely charge that nonprofit a tax penalty for funds raised that way.

[@noelplouffe6245]

When you started your NPO did you not have a vision? Have you ever concerned a board may impact your vision. I recruited a board who were only join with the understanding. That we would meet only quarterly via zoom for only 30 minuets. I as ED will do all the heavy lifting and will provide reports and supporting documentation. We are currently in year two of our three year Strategic plan and we will start on our next three year Strategic Plan in 2023. I want to keep the board small. This NPO is a Chamber Music ensemble. Thank you Amber.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hi Noel! Yes, I definitely had a vision. But ... 1) In the USA at least, in order to have 501c3 status, you legally have to have a board - the government only wants to grant an organization charitable status if it is truly run by the community (vs one person); and 2) It's hard to do this alone, and a good board with solid, aligned values can further the organization's mission! I hope this helps. When run well, a board can be a good asset!

[@b.m8082]

Thank you for the video. In our case, we are a small group comprised of varsity students. Was wondering for the program expert, since we don't have an expert at it, for now, cant one of the students carry it out. and how differently do they carry out this role from an expert?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! I would say the hope behind having a "program expert" is that that person already has built up a lot of knowledge about the problem your organization is trying to address so that they can advise on meeting the problem's needs effectively. If one of the students in your group has a lot of knowledge and experience with the problem, great! You can (and should) also spend a lot of time researching the problem, and interviewing people in your community about the problem.

[@b.m8082]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Thank you very much that was really helpful.

[@muayadaziz3937]

Hi Amber, Who has power to fire/remove unwilling board member(s)?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Other board members would vote in accordance with your organization's bylaws.

[@hellhound4440]

i am going to add one thing: if your non-profit is one that happens to actively work with livestreamers as well, you'll want somebody who's well-versed on streaming and understands how to set up certain tools to help streamers donate to your cause.

[@hellhound4440]

Currently I am working to set up my own as well, and as an avid streamer myself, I want to work actively with streamers for events, so this advice can be very helpful if you're starting in such a way

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

That's a cool idea!

[@krystynamedina]

How do I find these people? Should I look on social media ? And how should I approach them about being a board member ?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I actually just posted a video that covers that! Hope it helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/en29k2qJpNSNbrc

[@arirudenko]

I am in the process of founding a nonprofit dance company. We have actually already been operational for 5 years, but unincorporated. I am very nervous about bringing directors on board who have great qualifications, but who I don’t know and trust personally, as I am essentially giving the governance of my baby over to this group. Do you have any advice regarding the vetting of potential board members?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

That can feel hard for sure, but what I've realized and experienced is your Board can be your greatest asset! It's all about communicating your passion to new board members, helping them bond with you and the cause, and providing clear instruction on expectations / how to get involved while enabling them to have a personal connection / opportunity to lead, too.

[@brittanyharry3157]

Do you have any templates for INVITING people to join as a board member? I am STRUGGLING for this SO bad... always swamped but have a few great dedicated volunteers that I want to invite that already do a lot. - nonprofit dog rescue in SE USA

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! There are some great ones online I'm sure - I also did a video on how to create a board application process that may help too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpS5YnmqnN6of5Y

[@mightyone1986]

Damn your video is clear and informative compared to others. Thanks for such clarity and knowledgeable video. Would you like to be my Board of Director??? Industry; Fashion.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad it was helpful!!!

[@mbrights3158]

it is hard to believe that really skilled people can volunteer the time needed to effectively do the role as described (the specific role, in addition to constantly working on fundraising etc...) without compensation...esp. in these times... when people are spread thin in their daily lives.

[@anotidaishejziramba3870]

Hi thank you for that video, I do have a question, When starting a non profit can the same Board of Directors be involved in the day to day operations of the organization? Say take up executive roles such as campaigns and media roles etc.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Sure! That's called having a 'working board' - where your board helps support some of the regular activities of the organization - usually when an organization is new / small and does not have paid staff yet.

[@anotidaishejziramba3870]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Okay okay thank you for that response.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@anotidaishejziramba3870 You're welcome!

[@zatastic4352]

@AMBER Would you ever consider a paid consult? And in return free marketing too for your upcoming course? I'm creating mine now and need help before your course

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! Thanks for your patience - it took longer than I expected but course should be ready in less than 2 weeks I think. Message me and we'll see what's up