Boards Holding it Down: How Nonprofit Leaders Build Resilience Together
- theboardpro
- 35 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Can we keep it 100? Leading a nonprofit right now is hard as hell! Between funding flips and curves, staff burnout, political whiplash, and community needs growing faster than most of us can handle, today’s nonprofit leaders are being asked to do the most—and still smile about it.
But here's the truth: when it feels like the weight of the world is resting on the executive director’s shoulders, it’s not just a staffing issue. It’s a board issue too.
Because resilient nonprofits aren’t just led well—they’re governed well.
Let’s drop some 411 on how board members can rise to the occasion and help anchor their organizations in times of chaos and uncertainty.
Curiosity Over Certainty: The Power of Better Questions
In fast-changing environments, boards don’t need all the answers—they need better questions. Thoughtful inquiry helps surface blind spots and deepen understanding. Instead of defaulting to "How can we fix this?" try:
How are we measuring our impact, and what do those metrics tell us?
Are we overly dependent on a single funding stream?
What are we doing to retain and support our staff?
How prepared are we for leadership exits or emergency scenarios?
These questions unlock insights, spark real dialogue, and set the tone for shared leadership and collective problem-solving. Curiosity is your superpower—use and wield it well.
From Governance to Advocacy: Show Up and Speak Out
Board members aren’t just fiduciary do-gooders—they’re also your hype squad, door-openers, and ride and die champions. Resilient organizations don’t just have strong internal operations—they have visible, vocal board members who:
Share the nonprofit’s story within their personal and professional networks
Connect staff to potential funders, donors, and community collaborators
Elevate the mission in public forums and behind closed doors
The 2023 BoardSource Leading with Intent report reveals that boards who engage externally strengthen revenue and reputation. Advocacy isn’t extra—it’s essential.
🔄 Succession Isn’t Scary—It’s Strategic
Nonprofits don’t crumble because people leave. They crumble because no one planned for it.
While hiring may fall to staff, boards play a critical role in ensuring leadership continuity. That means:
Regularly reviewing and updating the ED/CEO succession plan
Supporting leadership development at all levels of the organization
Conducting honest, constructive performance evaluations
A culture of growth and preparation doesn’t just reduce risk—it creates trust, stability, and institutional memory.
📊 Look Beyond the Budget: Monitor Holistic Health
Financials matter, but they’re not the full picture. Boards must also understand how the organization is feeling and functioning.
That includes reviewing data on:
Staff turnover and satisfaction
Program outcomes and community impact
Donor retention and engagement trends
Keeping your finger on the pulse helps anticipate issues before they blow up and keeps the mission moving forward.
Thought Partners, Not Micromanagers
Resilience thrives in environments where staff and board trust one another. The boardroom shouldn’t be a place for "gotcha" critiques—it should be a place for generative conversation.
Board members can:
Serve as sounding boards for sticky decisions
Collaborate on solving long-term challenges
Co-create strategies that connect operational insight with strategic vision
When boards walk alongside staff—not ahead or behind them—leadership becomes a team sport.
Reflect and Recalibrate: Board Impact Matters Too
Let’s keep it real—being on a board isn’t a title, it’s a responsibility. If your organization is trying to be more resilient, so should you. Reflect on:
What have you personally contributed this quarter?
Are you building relationships that move the mission forward?
How are you investing in your own learning and leadership?
Growth isn’t just for staff. Board learning cultures fuel nonprofit adaptability and excellence.
Resilience Is a Shared Practice
Here’s the bottom line: resilience is not something you build in crisis—it’s something you practice every day.
As staff look ahead to what’s coming next for emerging risks and opportunities, boards must meet them with support, structure, and shared commitment. That means asking bold questions, building networks, monitoring health, and showing up with empathy and action. So at your next board meeting, bring your curiosity. Ask the brave question. Offer a connection. Explore the challenge together.
Because you don’t know what you don’t know—and discovering it together is how resilience begins.
💡 Christal M. Cherry is The Board Pro—a one-stop shop for all things nonprofit boards. From recruitment and retreats to leadership coaching and fundraising strategy, she helps boards show up smarter, stronger, and more strategic. Learn more at theboardpro.com.