Serving on a nonprofit board is about far more than attending monthly meetings. Effective board members provide strategic direction, ensure financial stewardship, advocate for the organization’s mission and help position nonprofits for long-term success. Drawing on decades of board leadership and community service, Dr. Rhea Ingram, professor of marketing at Auburn University at Montgomery and current co-chair of the River Region United Way’s fundraising campaign, shares the questions every nonprofit board should be asking.
1. Are we actively leading, or simply attending meetings?
According to Dr. Ingram, the biggest difference between an average board and an exceptional one is simple: passive versus active. Great boards don’t just approve minutes and listen to reports, they ask thoughtful questions, engage in strategic discussions, offer solutions and champion the organization’s mission. Every board member should ask themselves whether they’re contributing to meaningful conversations or simply occupying a seat at the table.
2. Is our funding diversified enough to sustain our mission?
Financial stewardship begins with reducing risk. Dr. Ingram believes one of the biggest concerns facing nonprofits today is overreliance on a single funding source, whether it’s grants, one major donor or a single annual event. Strong organizations build diverse revenue streams that provide stability, allowing them to continue serving their communities even as funding landscapes change.
3. Do we truly understand our fiduciary responsibilities?
Serving on a board carries legal and financial responsibilities. Every board member should understand the organization’s bylaws, financial policies, reserve requirements and governance practices. Effective oversight isn’t just reviewing a budget, it’s ensuring the organization’s resources are managed responsibly and ethically in support of its mission.
4. Does our budget reflect our mission?
A balanced budget is important, but Dr. Ingram encourages boards to ask an even bigger question: “Does our spending align with our strategic priorities?” Every dollar should support the organization’s purpose and long-term vision. Budgets should be viewed as mission-driven roadmaps, not simply financial documents.
5. Are we measuring impact or activity?
It’s easy to count the number of events held, volunteers recruited or people served. But, Dr. Ingram challenges boards to look deeper. The real question is whether those efforts are creating meaningful change. Listening to stakeholders, gathering feedback and evaluating outcomes helps organizations understand whether they’re truly fulfilling their mission.
6. Does our board have the right mix of people, perspectives and strengths?
Strong boards are intentionally diverse, not only in background, but in expertise and experience. Some members excel at opening doors, others are comfortable asking for financial support, while others bring strengths in marketing, finance, law, human resources or strategic planning. When every member contributes their unique talents, the board becomes far more effective than any one individual could be alone.
7. Are we supporting our executive director and preparing for what’s next?
One of Dr. Ingram’s favorite questions for nonprofit leaders is, “What keeps you up at night?” It’s a simple way to uncover challenges and determine how the board can provide meaningful support. But boards shouldn’t stop there. They should also ask, “What’s next?” Looking ahead ensures organizations remain innovative, adaptable and prepared for future opportunities.
8. Are we preparing for tomorrow’s challenges today?
Today’s nonprofit landscape looks very different than it did just a few years ago. Organizations are navigating tighter budgets, increasing demand for services and ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining talented employees. Effective boards don’t simply react to today’s problems; they anticipate tomorrow’s needs and help position their organizations for long-term success.
9. Who should we be partnering with to create greater impact?
No nonprofit can meet every community need alone. Dr. Ingram believes boards should regularly ask how they can collaborate with other nonprofits, businesses, government agencies and community partners. Sharing resources, expertise and ideas often creates greater impact than working independently and ultimately strengthens the entire community.
10. How am I personally moving the mission forward?
Perhaps the most important question isn’t about the organization at all; it’s about each board member’s individual commitment. Dr. Ingram’s advice is straightforward: Be intentional. Be active. Do something. Every board member has a role to play, whether it’s advocating, fundraising, sharing expertise, building relationships or opening new doors. The strongest boards are made up of individuals who intentionally move the mission forward every day.
Boardroom Wisdom:
What keeps you up at night?
Dr. Ingram says this is one of the most important questions a board can ask its executive director.
It demonstrates empathy, opens the door to honest conversation and helps the board understand where it can provide the greatest support.
What’s next?
Together, those two questions keep boards focused on both today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.
One question for boards to consider:
How do we collaborate with other partners to leverage each other’s resources to make the community better?
About the Author:
Dr. Rhea Ingram is an award-winning marketing educator, professor and practitioner who has spent more than 20 years at Auburn University at Montgomery, where she prepares students for successful, agile careers through a student-centered, active teaching philosophy. A dedicated community leader, she previously served as Chair of the United Way of the River Region Board of Directors and currently serves as Co-Chair of its upcoming fundraising campaign; she has also served on the boards of Leadership Montgomery, the Family Sunshine Center and the Alabama Technology Foundation.
