How many nonprofit board members should my board have? The short answer is, it depends. There is no “magic number”. Keep reading to find out why nonprofits need board members and how to determine the right number for your organization.
Legal Requirements
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. At the state level, requirements range from 1 to 5 board members. All organizations registered at the state and national level must ensure compliance with both state and federal regulations.
Determining the Appropriate Board Size
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. 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.
Small boards lack credibility in the eyes of funders and regulatory authorities. The generally accepted number for most small- to mid-sized nonprofits is 9-14 members.
Every nonprofit is different, and the bylaws should state clearly how many board members will be deemed as the minimum and maximum. 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.
Ideal Board Composition
While the law sets minimums, "average" boards have 15-16 members according to research. But average doesn’t mean effective. Reflect diverse skillsets, experiences, and networks. Small boards under 15 risk member burnout from numerous duties, but avoid extremes—19+ is too many in most cases.
Boards should provide meaningful governance, support functions like fundraising and finance, and help with programs or advocacy. Assess current board weaknesses to determine ideal size and composition.
Separate "governing boards" from "advisory boards" with different memberships. Each plays a distinct role.
Executive Roles
Common executive roles are Chair/President, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Look for the skills each requires when recruiting.
In summary, the appropriate nonprofit board size depends on your specific situation. Consider organizational scale, mission, diversity aims, and board responsibilities when deciding membership numbers.