What’s your plan to recruit new board members? Do you have a method in place, or do you simply look for people who have passion for your organization?
Having the right board members on board will determine the future of your organization and its potential for fundraising success. Too often, board members are recruited because they are known by an existing board member and they seem interested in the cause. If you want to have a strong, active board, it’s essential that you select your board members carefully and evaluate them before any recruitment begins. This matrix will help you evaluate and consider a potential board member’s suitability and skill.
Calculating Your Score
Candidate’s name: ________________________________________________________________________________
There is no perfect score, and no board member who is strong in every single area. Weigh the scores of your potential candidates carefully and use this tool to identify and recruit new board members. Assign a score of 1 to 4 for each item, with 1 being the lowest and 4 being ideal or highest. Multiply your ranking times the weight. Then add the total and compare against the score at the bottom.
| Criteria | Your score | x Weight | = Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Able to attend board meetings regularly | ________ | 3 | ________ |
| “Fit” with existing board members | ________ | 1 | ________ |
| Influence & regard within our constituency | ________ | 2 | ________ |
| Willing to be involved in soliciting gifts | ________ | 3 | ________ |
| Financial capacity to give | ________ | 3 | ________ |
| Philanthropic intent/willingness to give | ________ | 3 | ________ |
| Alignment with our mission/passionate about cause | ________ | 4 | ________ |
| Able to give appropriate time to our organization | ________ | 3 | ________ |
| History with our organization | ________ | 1 | ________ |
| Giving history with our organization | ________ | 1 | ________ |
| Name recognition in our community | ________ | 1 | ________ |
| Total | ________ |
Score (Weight x Your Evaluation)
| 86-100 | Wow! You have a great potential board member. |
| 74-85 | This person is worth serious consideration. |
| 62-73 | Should probably go on a list for now. Work to make them a better candidate. |
| 61 and below | You should probably not consider them unless they bring some other important attribute (significant financial capacity, etc) that outweighs other criteria. |
