Nonprofit Board Membership Numbers
The appropriate nonprofit board size depends on your specific situation.
- The IRS requires federal nonprofits to have at least three board members.
- State requirements range from one to five. Comply with both federal and state rules.
- Average boards have 15-16 members, but average doesn’t mean effective.
Strategically Composing Your Board
Think strategically when composing your board. Reflect diverse skillsets, experiences, and networks.
- Boards should provide meaningful governance, fundraising and finance support functions, help with programs or advocacy.
- Assess board weaknesses to determine ideal size and composition.
- Consider organization size, mission, diversity needs, desired board role when deciding membership numbers.
Ensuring Board Effectiveness
- Small boards under 15 risk member burnout from numerous duties. It also looks bad to funders. But avoid extremes—19+ is too many in most cases.