Valentine’s Day is here! And while we’re all about the chocolates, flowers, and love letters, let’s take a moment to send some love to an often-overlooked group of change-makers—nonprofit board members.
Yes, you heard that right! Board members! The unsung heroes who give their time, talent, and treasure to help nonprofits thrive. These social do-gooders aren’t in it for the paycheck (because, well… there isn’t one). They serve because they believe in a mission, a cause, a vision for a better world. And today, we’re here to celebrate them.
Why We Love Our Nonprofit Boards
Nonprofit boards aren’t just figureheads. They’re the backbone of organizational success. They provide oversight, financial stewardship, and strategic direction, ensuring that nonprofits stay on mission and maximize impact.
Let’s talk numbers. The nonprofit sector is a force. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, there are over 1.8 million nonprofit organizations in the U.S., collectively contributing nearly $1.5 trillion to the economy each year. And guess what? Board members are a big part of that equation.
Here’s a jaw-dropper: Nonprofit board members contribute an estimated $16.3 billion annually to charities in personal donations (Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, 2017). That’s billion with a B! But they do more than write checks—they leverage their networks, provide leadership, and advocate for causes they care about.
Black Women on Boards: Leading with Power and Purpose
Nonprofit boards have a diversity problem—but Black women are out here breaking barriers and making bold, strategic moves.
While underrepresented in boardrooms, Black women lead when given the chance. BoardSource’s research shows that Black board members, especially women, are more likely to take on chair and governance roles, bringing fresh perspectives and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion.
We see this in trailblazers like Dr. Johnetta B. Cole and Melanie Campbell, who have used their board leadership to drive meaningful change. Black women bring a wealth of expertise, lived experience, and vision—but too often, they’re overlooked.
So if your board is looking to diversify (which it should be), prioritize outreach to Black women. Not as a box to check, but as a way to bring in voices that challenge the status quo and push organizations toward real impact. Black women bring the kind of leadership, strategy, and innovation that nonprofits need.
How to Show Some Board Love
Board members give so much—so how can we give back?
1. Train Them Up!
Many board members don’t get the training they need—they’re expected to just figure it out. That’s a setup for frustration and disengagement.
💡 Solution: Invest in board training, governance workshops, and mentorship. A well-equipped board is a powerful board. And that’s where The Board Pro comes in!
2. Recognize & Celebrate Them
A little gratitude goes a long way. Board members work behind the scenes, and too often, their contributions go unnoticed.
💡 Ways to Show Love:
Host an appreciation event—a dinner, retreat, or a simple gathering to say “thank you.”
Highlight board members on social media—share their stories and why they serve.
Write handwritten thank-you notes—acknowledge the individual contributions they bring.
3. Make Their Role Manageable
Board service should be meaningful, not overwhelming. If board members feel overworked and undervalued, they’ll disengage.
💡 Ways to Lighten Their Load:
Shorten those never-ending meetings.
Assign tasks based on strengths and interests.
Set realistic fundraising expectations.
4. Invite Them to Use Their Superpowers
Board members bring more than their checkbooks—they bring skills, networks, and passion.
💡 Instead of just fundraising, let them:
Help shape marketing and communications.
Use their corporate connections to open doors.
Advocate for policy changes that elevate the mission.
Let them lead in ways that excite them!
Love Your Board, and They’ll Love You Back
A well-supported, engaged board isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. When board members feel valued and equipped, they show up better for the organization. They fundraise more effectively, advocate more passionately, and help steer the nonprofit toward long-term success.
So this Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate our board members. Let’s thank them, support them, and make sure they have what they need to lead with confidence. Because at the heart of every thriving nonprofit, there’s a group of dedicated volunteers who just want to change the world.
And that? That’s real Board Love. ❤️
Who better to spread board love than Christal M. Cherry, Principal and CEO of The Board Pro? Christal is jazzed about board training and development and works with nonprofits to build powerful, effective, and equitable boards. With an electrifying style and charisma, she brings governance to life, making sure boards are equipped, engaged, and ready to lead with confidence. Learn more at www.theboardpro.com.
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