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Here’s a question that can spark some serious debate: should nonprofit board members get paid a salary? At first glance, it seems like the answer should be simple—nonprofit boards are volunteer-based, right? But hold on. The nonprofit world isn’t always black and white, and this is one of those gray areas where you’ve got to ask yourself: what’s really best for the organization? Before you jump to conclusions, let’s dig a little deeper into the pros, cons, and what it all really means for your nonprofit.

The Traditional View: No Pay, All Heart

Traditionally, nonprofit boards consist of volunteer board members who serve without compensation. And that’s for good reason. Serving on a board is supposed to be a labor of love, a way to give back to a cause you’re passionate about. It’s a role of stewardship, not a gig to make a quick buck or earn a board member salary.

Here’s the deal: the nonprofit sector thrives on people who are willing to give their time, talents, and yes, even treasure (we’re looking at you, fundraising duty). Paying board members could shift that dynamic. If you start cutting checks, does the motivation change? Are people still serving because they care, or because they’re looking for some extra income? These are real questions nonprofits wrestle with when considering whether to pay their boards.

The Case For Paying Board Members: Time Is Money

Now, let’s flip the script for a second. Nonprofit board members put in serious work—strategic planning, financial oversight, fundraising, hiring executive leadership. Sometimes, it feels like a part-time job. So why shouldn’t they get compensated with a board member salary for their time and effort?

Paying board members could attract highly qualified individuals who might otherwise pass on the opportunity because they simply can’t afford to be volunteer board members. In fact, some larger nonprofits with complex financial structures or significant fundraising goals do pay their board members. These organizations argue that it helps them recruit top-tier talent and keeps their boards engaged and accountable.

But here’s the kicker—if you pay board members, you’ve got to be really clear about what that means. Are you paying for their expertise? Their time? Their leadership? If you’re going to write a check, you’d better have crystal-clear expectations in place for the board member salary.

The IRS, State Laws, and All That Fun Legal Stuff

Of course, it wouldn’t be a nonprofit topic if we didn’t talk about regulations, right? Whether or not board members can receive a salary—and how much—varies depending on state laws and IRS regulations. The IRS doesn’t flat-out forbid nonprofits from paying board members, but it has some pretty strict rules about what’s considered “reasonable compensation.”

In plain English? If you’re paying board members, the amount has to be justifiable and not excessive. The IRS frowns upon paying nonprofit boards too much because, let’s face it, that’s money that could be going toward the mission. Plus, there’s always the risk of damaging the public’s trust. People want to know that their donations are going toward making a difference, not lining the pockets of board members with hefty salaries.

The Cons: Losing Sight of the Mission

Here’s a big concern that gets tossed around when you talk about paying nonprofit board members: mission drift. Will paying your board shift the focus from the cause to compensation? Nonprofits run on heart. They’re fueled by passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to solving real-world problems. There’s a worry that once you introduce financial compensation, you start running the risk of attracting folks who are in it for the wrong reasons rather than dedicated volunteer board members.

And then there’s the budget. Every dollar spent on board member salaries is a dollar not spent on programs, services, or staff. Can your nonprofit afford to pay board members, or is that money better used elsewhere? It’s a tough call, and one that has to be weighed carefully.

What’s Right For Your Nonprofit?

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether or not nonprofit board members should get paid. For some organizations, especially small grassroots groups, it would feel downright strange to offer board compensation. For larger organizations with complex structures and big budgets, paying board members might make sense.

The key is transparency. Whatever decision you make, it has to be above-board (pun intended). You’ve got to be clear about why you’re doing it, how much you’re paying, and what you expect in return. And, of course, you need to stay compliant with state laws and IRS guidelines regarding board member salaries.

My Two Cents

If you ask me, nonprofit board members should serve out of passion for the mission, often as volunteer board members. But I also get that sometimes, a nonprofit needs to compensate board members to attract the talent and expertise it needs to thrive. If you go the route of paying your board, make sure it’s done thoughtfully, legally, and with the nonprofit’s best interest at heart. After all, the mission is what matters most.

So, should nonprofit board members get paid? It depends. What works for one organization might not work for another. Just make sure that whatever you decide about board member salaries, it helps your nonprofit stay mission-driven, financially sound, and focused on doing good in the world. Because that’s why we’re all here, right?

So, you’re on a nonprofit board. That’s wonderful. It means you care about a cause enough to step up, roll up your sleeves, and serve. But it’s more than passion. It’s about responsibility. And not just any responsibility—fiduciary responsibility. It’s a big deal, and it’s one of the most important nonprofit duties that every board member must take seriously. Think of it like this: you’re the guardian of the nonprofit’s mission, its finances, and its reputation. Let’s unpack what that means in the real world.

1. Duty of Care: You’re Not Just a Placeholder

When you say yes to joining a board, you’re saying yes to being informed, attentive, and ready to act. This isn’t a “show up and smile” kind of deal. The duty of care means that you need to be involved in the nonprofit’s decision-making with your head and your heart. It’s about being proactive, asking tough questions, and making decisions with the nonprofit’s best interest in mind.

Example: A nonprofit’s executive director suddenly fell ill and couldn’t return to work. Here’s where the duty of care shines. Fortunately, the board had been prepared. They didn’t panic or scramble. Why? Because they had planned ahead. They had a well-thought-out contingency plan, with an interim director ready to step in and a list of potential candidates to fill the position permanently. That’s the kind of forward-thinking that makes a board indispensable.

Takeaway: Be prepared, stay informed, understand your board member responsibilities, and always have a plan. Care isn’t passive—it’s active. It means looking ahead and asking yourself, “What’s next?” before a crisis hits.

2. Duty of Loyalty: It’s Not About You

This one’s simple, but it’s crucial. Your job is to put the nonprofit first—always. That means your decisions have to be in the best interest of the organization, not you, your business, or your connections. Conflicts of interest? Address them, disclose them, and step away when necessary.

Example: When the board was set to renew the director’s and officer’s insurance policy, one board member quietly stepped back from the discussion and abstained from voting. Why? Because they worked for the insurance company that offered the policy. By removing themselves from the vote, they honored their duty of loyalty. No hidden agendas here—just doing what’s right for the organization.

Takeaway: If there’s even a hint of conflict, disclose it. It’s better to be overly transparent than to risk undermining the board’s integrity.

3. Duty of Obedience: Stick to the Mission

The nonprofit duty of obedience isn’t about blind allegiance—it’s about ensuring that every action, every decision, keeps the nonprofit on track with its mission. You’re responsible for making sure that the nonprofit plays by the rules—both legally and ethically. And here’s the thing: not every flashy opportunity is the right one.

Example: A donor came forward with a large contribution. Sounds great, right? Except, there was a catch. They wanted the nonprofit to use the funds for a purpose that had nothing to do with the organization’s mission. It would’ve required the nonprofit to go completely off course. The board voted not to accept the donation. They knew that one of their board member responsibilities is staying true to the mission and that's more important than chasing big dollars.

Takeaway: The nonprofit’s mission is your north star. Don’t stray from it, no matter how tempting the detour might be.

4. Duty of Prudence: Be a Good Steward

This is where the nonprofit’s financial health comes in. As a board member, you’re responsible for making sure the nonprofit’s resources are being used wisely. The duty of prudence, another key aspect of nonprofit duties, means being cautious, practical, and thoughtful with how the organization’s assets are managed. It’s about ensuring there’s enough funding to keep the lights on while staying aligned with the nonprofit’s long-term goals.

Example: The board of a small nonprofit knew they had limited financial reserves. When they were offered a low-interest loan to expand their programs, it seemed like a great opportunity. But the board did their homework. After reviewing the financials, they realized that taking on the loan would stretch them too thin and jeopardize their ability to keep up with current projects. They decided to pass. By acting prudently, they protected the nonprofit from potential financial hardship down the line.

Takeaway: Protect the nonprofit’s assets like they’re your own. Sometimes saying “no” is the best way to ensure sustainability.

Remember, You’re a Guardian, Not Just a Volunteer!

Fiduciary responsibility is the backbone of serving on a nonprofit board. You’re not just there to show up and lend your name—you’re there to safeguard the organization’s mission, finances, and future. The duty of care, loyalty, obedience, and prudence? They’re not just legal terms; they’re the guiding principles that help nonprofits thrive. So, when you sit in that boardroom, remember: your job isn’t to sit back. It’s to lean in, ask questions, and make decisions that put the nonprofit’s mission first. Always.

Feeling like your nonprofit's good work is getting lost in the noise? Yeah, we've all been there.

If you're here, you're probably ready to shake things up and get your nonprofit the spotlight it deserves. And guess what? It's about time! Generating publicity in today's digital age is an art, a science, and a bit of a circus act. Buckle up, because we're diving into the new reality of making your nonprofit the talk of the town.

There can be no doubt that journalism has changed a lot over the past few years. In fact, 2,627 weekly publications closed or merged with other papers between 2004 and 2023 and daily publications also saw a decline, with just over 1,200 in publication in 2023.

But there’s a positive takeaway. Those closures mergers, and acquisitions of news gathering organizations can mean your press releases have and will probably become more sought and worthwhile.

The shortage of newsroom journalists and employees for reportage and fact-checking means topical PR with a news angle has become more attractive to editors.

You probably don’t have the funding to justify a communications director.

Close to 70% of nonprofits say budget limitations is their number one PR challenge.

Yet press coverage is a must.

Rely on these five tips as you sit down at the keyboard.

Do your homework.

Sending your press release is not going to magically result in front page coverage or a feature story.

This means studying the publication(s) to whom you typically dispatch your PR. “A beat” is a reporter’s specific focus on a particular issue, sector, organization, or institution, such as politics, business, or the arts. It’s what they specialize in and what they trained for, so their eye may be more discerning.

If your news outlets don’t have clearly delineated “beats,” at least look for common ground – articles by a particular reporter that align with your organizations mission.

Making yourself available as the expert in the field and as a reliable source of information will go a long way to getting your nonprofit featured. Savvy reporters tend to call who they know for “the scoop.”

Make sure you’re one of those people.

But first, you have to get their attention.

Let’s get real—your nonprofit is doing amazing work. But amazing work doesn't always get the attention it should. You need to be the headline, not the afterthought. Craft compelling stories that tug at heartstrings and inspire action. Think of yourself as a storyteller. Share real-life impacts, transformational journeys, and the faces behind your cause. Journalists and bloggers love human interest stories, so give them something to swoon over.

Making that first toss.

“Pitching” a news or feature article idea via e-mail is not dissimilar to playing on the ball field.

What’s thrown may or may not be caught.

About 30% of organizations report that a journalist has contacted them about a release they’d sent.

More than 1 in 4 journalists (28%) receive over one hundred pitches per week. They respond to about 3% of those.

Reaching out personally is the fastest way to gain traction, but cultivating positive relationships with reporters, features. editorialists and columnists takes as much time, conversely, as it takes them to develop reliable (sometimes confidential) sources. Position yourself as an expert in the field, or someone who has unique access to that expertise.

The introductory pitch should be short and timely. Consider your words carefully. Avoid “clickbait” and sensationalized headlines. Reporters recognize hype.‍

Connect the dots.‍

Once you've set the scene, it's time to bring your details to vivid life. It's all about the who, what, when, where, why and how.

Don’t “round up” data or approximate something that a fact-checker can disprove. Your credibility will be in tatters if you misrepresent.

Include direct quotes from the interviewees involved, with their titles cited. This is attribution and refers to the source of something placed between quotation marks, as though it is dialogue. Pick one or two articulate spokespeople who would also be willing to answer follow-up questions.

Stories are sometimes edited to fit available space (from the bottom-up, which means EVERY important detail should be within the first one hundred words).

An effective way to ensure this is by using the reverse pyramid formula when writing your press release: going from the most vital information to the least important.

Lead with the essentials. Leave the least key details to the last.

Proofread! Proofread again! Slapdash releases with aimless paragraphs will inevitably be discarded. Hand it off to a colleague for a fresh set of eyes.‍

A picture’s worth...well, you know where we’re going with this.‍

This means furnishing photographs/illustrations/graphics that are of acceptable resolution, with proper captions and identifiers (and it’s always to have the written permission of anyone within the photograph, because their presence is an implied endorsement).

One additional option: if they are polished, short videos produced by your organization should be furnished. Small files can be attached to the e-mail; you can also provide easy access by directing them to a download service like DropBox or We Transfer. The news outlet might upload these to their website counterpart. ‍

The shelf life of a press release.‍

Something time-sensitive needs to respect the outlet’s “lead time” (the duration between acceptance and publication). Be respectful of deadlines, too. Ignore the fine print beginning with ‘Must submit by…’ at your own peril. The best-crafted release, if it arrives too late in an editor’s in-box, will be relegated to the e-mail trashcan. A failure to furnish information in an expedient manner will potentially burn a bridge before you ever cross it.‍

The enormity of today’s media brings with it a ravenous appetite. You can feed the beast and make it work for you. By generating PR that reads like a news story, you become a content provider. To establish your credibility and reinforce your value to your local print media, download “Me? A Reporter?!” for even more “tricks of the trade.”

The enormity of today’s media brings with it a ravenous appetite. You can feed the beast and make it work for you. By generating PR that reads like a news story, you become a content provider. To establish your credibility and reinforce your value to your local print media, join our membership program to get more important information on this topic! Click here to learn more: https://www.successfornonprofits.com/offers/nonprofit-success-membership

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Creating content and posting on social media for your nonprofit can feel like taming a wild beast, especially for organizations with limited resources. But fear not—you're in control, and with the right strategies, you can master this ever-evolving digital landscape.

The average social media user juggles seven platforms, from Facebook to TikTok, each demanding its own approach. As daunting as that may seem, this blog post breaks down practical tips to help you reach and retain your audience without getting lost in the minutiae. Whether your organization is tip-toeing into social media or needs a total makeover, it’s a manageable task when you lean into a handful of effective strategies.

Let’s dive in:

Who Are “Your People”?

The foundation of a successful social media strategy lies in understanding who your audience is. Knowing your audience and what they want to see is key to creating content that they will like, comment on, and share.It’s also critical for planning how to turn followers into supporters and donors.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to take a look at your existing supporters, donors, and social audience. If you aren’t sure, consider doing quick, informal surveys at events or via email. While it won’t give you hard data, it can still provide valuable insights into what your audience enjoys and how they engage online.

You can also use social media analytics tools to gain insights into your current followers and identify potential supporters.

For more information on Instagram analytics, click HERE.  

For more information on Facebook analytics, click HERE.  

For more information on TikTok analytics, click HERE.

“Nope” Is Okay

You can’t be everything to everyone. If a particular platform is not a fit for your audience and your nonprofit brand,you don’t need to frantically launch a presence there. Running too many social media channels will lead to overwhelm and fatigue and result in neglect. It is better to well-rounded content on fewer social media platforms than it is to have multiple social media platforms that look like they are abandoned.

Voice Lessons

Social media provides a platform to share a personalized and unique perspective of your organization. Be sure to spend time on your profile because it is what people initially respond to. You want clear and concise information on your profile that makes it easy to say yes to following your account.

A well-crafted profile can set the tone for potential followers, providing them with a snapshot of your mission, values, and the impact of your work. Include a compelling bio, high-quality profile and cover images, and relevant links to your website or other important resources.Utilize keywords that resonate with your audience and succinctly convey what your organization stands for. Highlight your achievements and make your mission statement prominent to inspire confidence and interest. By investing time in creating an engaging and informative profile, you can attract and retain a loyal and supportive online community.

Look Around

You might be surprised at what’s of interest to others. Nonprofits have many interesting content opportunities on social media. Here are some types of posts you can share to engage your audience and advance your mission:

1. Success Stories and Testimonials

• Impact Stories: Share stories of individuals or communities who have benefited from your nonprofit’s good work.
• Donor Spotlights: Highlight the contributions of key donors and how their support has made a difference.

2. Educational Content

• Infographics and Fact Sheets: Provide easy-to-digest information related to your cause. (Use Canva to easily create this content.)
• How-To Guides: Create and offer step-by-step guides or tips on issues relevant to your mission.
• Research and Reports: Share findings from studies or reports that support your cause. You can set Google Alerts for your issues relevant to your mission. For instructions on how to set up Google Alerts, click HERE.

3. Behind-the-Scenes

• Daily Operations: Show day-to-day activities within your organization.
• Event Preparations: Offer a glimpse into the preparations for upcoming events or initiatives.
• Staff and Volunteer Highlights: Introduce your team members and volunteers, sharing their stories and roles.

4. Calls to Action

• Fundraising Appeals:  Encourage donations with compelling reasons why support is needed for your     nonprofit.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Inform your audience about ways they can get involved.
• Petitions and Advocacy:  Mobilize your followers to support legislative changes or community actions.

5. Events and Announcements

• Event Invitations: Promote upcoming events and fundraisers.
• Live Updates: Post real-time updates during events to engage those who can’t attend in person. Make these updates lively and fun, so they won’t want to miss out on your next event!
• Milestones and Achievements: Celebrate significant milestones for your nonprofit and share progress updates.

6. User-Generated Content

• Reposts from Followers: Share content created by your supporters, such as photos or stories. Make sure you are asking volunteers and other supporters to tag you when they  share content on social media.
• Contests and Challenges: Host social media challenges or contests to encourage engagement and participation.

7. Inspirational Quotes and Messages

• Quotes from Leaders:  Share inspiring quotes from leaders related to your cause.
• Motivational Messages: Post messages that motivate and inspire your followers to support your mission.

8. Interactive Content

• Polls and Surveys: Engage your audience with questions and polls to gather their opinions and insights.
• Q&A Sessions: Host live Q&A sessions with staff members or experts in your field.

9. Partnerships and Collaborations

• Collaborative Projects: Highlight partnerships with other organizations and the outcomes of these collaborations.
• Guest Posts: Feature content from guest bloggers or influencers who support your cause.

10. Seasonal and Timely Content

• Holiday Greetings: Post messages related to holidays and how your organization celebrates or works during these times.
• Awareness Days: Participate in relevant awareness days and campaigns to highlight important issues.

11. Visual and Multimedia Content

• Photos and Videos: Use compelling visuals to tell your story, showcase events, and highlight your work.
• Live Streams: Go live to share events, updates, or interviews in real-time. Don’t worry about being perfect! Just go for it. You can do it.

By mixing these types of content, you will keep your social media channels vibrant, informative, and engaging, ultimately building a stronger connection with your audience which will bring you more supporters and donors.

Social Media Is An Organic, “Living” Thing

Never be afraid to change.

When it comes to your profile, swap out your cover or profile photo frequently. It needn’t always be your logo. It can be a photo of a recent event…a photographic collage of clients, staff or Board members, or even a meaningful, metaphorical banner that aligns with your mission.

Never miss the chance to create a Facebook Event for anything your organization has organized or is staging. Invite the maximum permitted daily. This is free to do, and it can be very impactful. For instructions on how to create a Facebook Event, click HERE.

Batch and Schedule Your Posts

Planning social media content helps thwart hurried,last-minute posts. Create a simple calendar of what needs to happen and when. Always aim for quality over quantity and take time to perfect your content with collaboration from your Board and staff.

We have a FREE social media content calendar for you to make things easier. Click HERE or on the image below to get it now. 

Housekeeping

You should engage in regular "housekeeping" efforts to maintain a strong and effective social media presence for your nonprofit. Here are some key activities:

1. Profile Maintenance

• Update Information Regularly: Ensure that your contact information, bio, mission statement, and links are current and accurate.
• Refresh Visuals: As stated above, be sure to update profile pictures, cover images, and any other visual elements to keep them in line with your branding and recent events.

2. Content Audit

• Review Past Posts:  Regularly review older posts to ensure they are still relevant and reflect your current messaging.
• Re-purpose Content:  Identify high-performing content that can be updated or re-shared to maximize its reach.

3. Engagement Management

• Respond to Comments  and Messages: Regularly check for and respond to comments and direct messages to maintain engagement and show that you value your  followers' input.
• Monitor Mentions:  Keep an eye on mentions of your organization and engage where appropriate to build relationships and manage your reputation.

4. Analytics Review

• Track Performance  Metrics: Regularly review analytics to understand which types of content are performing well and which aren’t.
• Adjust Strategy:  Use insights from your analytics to refine your content strategy, posting schedule, and engagement tactics.

5. Security Checks

• Update Passwords:  Regularly change passwords and ensure they are strong to protect your accounts from unauthorized access.
• Review Account  Permissions: Check who has access to your social media accounts and adjust permissions as needed to maintain security.

6. Platform Updates

• Stay Informed:  Keep up with changes and updates to social media platforms to take advantage of new features and avoid any pitfalls. Check our blog frequently for social media updates to makes this easier for you. We know     you are busy, and we are here to help you!
• Adapt Strategies: Adjust your social media strategies to align with new platform features or algorithm changes.

7. Content Planning

• Maintain a Content  Calendar: Keep a content calendar updated with upcoming posts, events, and campaigns. (Remember, we shared where you can get our FREE social media content calendar for nonprofits ABOVE.)
• Plan Ahead: Schedule posts in advance to ensure consistent activity, especially during busy periods or holidays.

8. Hashtag and Keyword Optimization

• Update Hashtags: Regularly review and update the hashtags you use to ensure they are still relevant and effective.
• Optimize Keywords: Use keywords that resonate with your audience and align with current trends in your nonprofit field.

9. Collaboration and Training

• Team Coordination: Ensure your team is aligned and aware of your social media strategy and any upcoming campaigns.
• Provide Training: Offer training for team members on best practices, new tools, and platform updates to keep your social media efforts effective.

Regularly engaging in these housekeeping activities can help nonprofit you maintain a polished, effective, and secure social media presence, ultimately enhancing your ability to connect with and inspire your audience!

Spoiler Alert: Some Folks Just Aren’t Nice

Sometimes you will encounter tricky situations and they might become public, or you might just run across a troll who likes to post mean things. When this happens, don’t quarrel, dispute,disparage or otherwise engage with criticism. Instead, invite the individual toDirect or Private Message their concerns to you so you can address them. Professionally managing unpleasant feedback is essential. Being proactive will ward off further negative reactions. Consistency and timeliness is important, so always respond to comments (good or bad) as soon as possible.

If things get really ugly, feel free to report thetroll to the social media channel they are trolling you on. You can also block them.

 The Bottom Line Is…

Relax. Social media isn’t about mastering every algorithm; it’s about mastering your rhythm. Think of it as having a conversation with your community—be genuine, be passionate, and let your mission shine. You don’t needt o be a tech wizard; you just need to be yourself. Connect with the people in your city, state, or county by sharing your unique story and inviting them to be a part of it. Remember, you’re not just building followers; you’re building a community of supporters who believe in your cause. So, take a deep breath,have fun with it, and watch your nonprofit’s impact grow, one post at a time.

When we said handful, that’s what we meant. There’s plenty more information on this topic and so much more inside o four membership platform. Click HERE to find out more.

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