Starting a Nonprofit: Must-have Board of Directors roles

[@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

[@GrandMercuryEnterprisesInc.]

Thank u❤

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@jayshaunpatty5329]

Thank you for sharing your expertise on non profits. I'm very glad I came across your channel. I have also subscribed to your channel. Continue to spread the helpful information. You're a blessing. Take care

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you so much and welcome to the channel! :)

[@hostilejakeover]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Awesome, thank you!

[@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?

[@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!

[@antinwo3664]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@karenconyers8531]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😎 Nice!

[@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!

[@kristinanunez1407]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it was helpful! :)

[@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!

[@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!

[@oliveneburke3409]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Good luck!

[@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!

[@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!

[@bman6302]

Im here finally lol. But wow you put this together perfectly. Thank you. I looked at alot of videos about non profit and yours was the best.

[@Rukkky]

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!

[@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).

[@SetApartPrincess]

@@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

[@nzubechukwuogamba1550]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@ocanseyjamesteye4543]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@arjelofranzchristmiso7594]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@undiagnosticonotedefine1125]

Tremendous video! Thank you so much, Amber!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're so welcome!

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@SUPWA21]

Great suggestions!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay, hope they were helpful!

[@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.

[@praveenvarma1369]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darafinnegan2578]

Thank you once again. Watching your videos every morning.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😊

[@communityDevelopmentHealthProj]

Great composition @Amber this is helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So happy to hear that!

[@supremelymicki]

I am so grateful. Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're so welcome! Hope it helped!

[@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!

[@bradhouston4734]

Thanks for all the great info!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You bet!

[@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!!

[@scottmillisor832]

This video was super helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad, Scott!!

[@queequee]

thank you !!! very informative

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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!

[@nsubugajulius3935]

Thank you! You are really helping us...

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@abadirdulla8234]

thank you so much its wonderful guide for my organization

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sdotonye]

Thank you for such great information!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@maroworld4304]

You are amazing professional person , thank you 🙏🏽

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you for the kind words :)

[@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!

[@ambercharmayne]

Thank u so much 4 this vid

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome! :)

[@communityDevelopmentHealthProj]

Nice trainings Amber . Following from Sierra Leone West Africa

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@aquaculture8028]

I love these videos!!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😊

[@subsistence73]

Whew goooooddd information

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Glad it helped.

[@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!

[@BSKBDM]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for the sub!

[@brianscoggins4598]

Absolutely love your videos

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Hope they are helping!

[@jacquelyndonald2115]

Thanks so much great information shared!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@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.

[@rosiechapman9984]

great video!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks!

[@yanetsantana7349]

Thanks!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Welcome!

[@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?

[@chefzelalem]

You are kind and helpful, Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@metadelic6338]

Thank you for the well detailed information 🙏

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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.

[@sandaliwanigasinha7857]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@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?

[@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 !

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

👋 Welcome to the channel, changemaker!!

[@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😅

[@conquerorsassemblellc7806]

You are such a blessing thank you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@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!!

[@Sasitm-dr2vt]

Thank you so much ma'am

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Most welcome 😊

[@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.

[@valeriejames5283]

This amazing Amanda thank you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@munnasatoz]

Very useful mam

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I am glad to hear it!

[@alulu_sinto]

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!

[@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!

[@Tanile27]

Fast fwd to 10:28 on WHERE to find them , that's what I struggle with... I dont have any friends and cant hire family 😭

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

LinkedIn is a great resource! Have you written Board Descriptions?

[@Tanile27]

@@AmberMelanieSmith I have and put it on indeed. I found some, but now it's about making them productive and engage with one another. Do you have videos on that?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@Tanile27 This video somewhat addresses the question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXbCmnuemLioabc

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@posarandposer]

Do you need board members if registering a nonprofit PUBLIC CHARITY? Thank you! I love your videos! ❤

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yes, you'll need board members. :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@gracekikoti1528]

I learn lot from u

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I am happy the videos are helpful to you!

[@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?

[@gracekikoti1528]

Thanks in advance

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're very welcome!

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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!

[@bbienaime]

Do you have to pay those individuals? How would you do so if you don’t know big funding will come in? How would you solicit for board members when it’s volunteer until you get funding?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there, good question! Board Members for 501c3 nonprofits are generally unpaid volunteers representing their community, even after the organization receives funding. You recruit volunteers to be Board Members through shared passion for the cause and based on the skills you need for the organization to grow and thrive. Over time, your organization gradually fundraises to grow its budget and fulfill its mission in bigger / deeper ways (If needed). Then you can hire paid staff if your organization needs that; but paid staff are not the same as board members.

[@bbienaime]

@@AmberMelanieSmith thank you so much for your prompt response; in the idea to official training now because I don’t want to get in trouble for trying to help people so I’m trying to learn all I can…in the process of establishing and needed to understand the process because I need to have my board members for my articles of corporation I hear and I’m like it’s just me 🤦🏾‍♀️😂 but I’m learning and quickly lol

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@bbienaime Of course! This is not an easy process and it's okay (and encouraged!) to get help!

[@Sauceworldmusic]

I need some board members

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Check out my video on recruiting board members if you need some thoughts!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@dyslexprojafric]

Are Board members the same as the board of trustees

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

In the case of nonprofits, yes.

[@dyslexprojafric]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Okay, I already started mine with family members' names on the certificate, while I do everything by myself, is it okay to get a working management board of directors other than these persons?

[@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.

[@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?