How Many Board Members Are Required for a Nonprofit in Indiana?

According to Indiana state code, each non-profit organization in the state must have a board of directors comprised of a minimum of three members.
Board members must be over 18 years old and reside in Indiana.
The board of directors of an Indiana nonprofit serves as the organization’s support system. Its responsibilities include financial management, structural counseling, executive director recruiting, and much more.
In Indiana, a 501(c)(3) qualifying nonprofit board of directors MUST:
- Elect at least three directors who are not connected to one another.
- Serve a period of no more than five years.
To start an Indiana 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, you’ll need to first register a nonprofit corporation with the state of Indiana, and then apply for tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) with the Internal Revenue Service.

How many board members should your nonprofit have? There is no "magic number"—the appropriate size depends on your needs.
While the law sets minimums, "average" boards have 15-16 members according to research. But average doesn’t mean effective. Think strategically when composing your board. Reflect diverse skillsets, experiences, and networks.
Common executive roles are Chair/President, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Look for the skills each requires when recruiting.

The appropriate nonprofit board size depends on your specific situation. Assess your needs, then recruit to match. Consider organizational scale, mission, diversity aims, and board responsibilities.
How many board members should a nonprofit have? The appropriate nonprofit board size depends on specific needs. Assess organizational scale, mission, diversity aims, and responsibilities when deciding membership numbers.
The IRS requires federal nonprofits have at least three independent directors. States range from one to five. Comply with both rules.