How Many Board of Directors Can a Nonprofit Have in Virginia?

How Many Board Members Should a Nonprofit Have?

• The generally accepted number for most small- to mid-sized nonprofits is 9-14 members.
• Boards should reflect a range of skillsets, experience, and preferably multiple and different networks of contacts that can be used to the benefit of the nonprofit.
• Determining the appropriate board size requires careful consideration of various factors, such as the organization’s size, mission and goals, diversity of expertise needed, and available resources.

Board Member Requirements by Law

• At the state level, requirements range from 1 to 5 board members.
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires that all nonprofits registered at the federal level maintain a minimum of three members on the board of directors.

Example Scenario for Board Composition

• For example, a nonprofit school may have five board members and include the principal as a non-voting member as this position can provide valuable insight during board meetings and reporting.