What's The Magic Number? Some Guidelines For Determining Your Board's Size

Recruiting and retaining committed board members is a never-ending process. For many not-for-profits, determining an appropriate-sized board takes time. Although state law typically sets the minimum number of directors a not-for-profit must have on its board, it is up to each organization to determine how many board members it needs. Once your board size meets its state requirement, what should you consider? Both small and large boards come with perks and drawbacks.

Related Read: A Proactive Approach to Not-For-Profit Board Member Management

SMALL BOARDS

Smaller boards allow for easier communication and greater cohesiveness among the members. Scheduling is less complicated, and meetings tend to be shorter and more focused. Plus, the members' higher level of involvement can heighten their satisfaction.