This entails recruiting committed and resourceful volunteer board members, organizing the first board meeting, and, most importantly, guiding the new board on its roles and responsibilities, which includes fine-tuning the mission, setting the guidelines for effective governance, and helping develop strategies. This is also the point where you really need to see if partnering with another organization makes more sense than starting your own organization. This work will establish a sense of ownership for all involved and reduce the burden on the founder.

Immediate demands on the first board
The start-up phase serves as an initiation for the board. If there is no staff yet, which is often the case, the board also must serve in that capacity. All board members must be willing and able to commit the time needed to set up the organization. For example, if the nonprofit exists only in theory, the board immediately needs to apply for tax-exempt status and possibly incorporate the organization. At the first board meeting, there will be assignments to go round for everyone! Often the board continues to be a working board for some time. When the organization is settled and financially stable enough to hire staff, the board can focus its efforts on its primary task — serving as the organization’s governing and oversight body.

What should the first board look like?
It is important for the founding board to have the skills and expertise needed to start an organization. Find people who understand your mission area or field and are familiar with your constituents and their needs. If you are dependent on outside funding, involve someone who can assist in developing a fundraising plan. You need someone who is technologically savvy as well. Bring in innovative people who have new ideas. And keep group dynamics in mind: Is this a group of people who can work as a team?

Start with a small but committed group. If you have a working board, decide what the ideal size is to get the initial work done. If you can hire staff, define your own role either as a board member or as part of the management team.

Read the full article about forming a nonprofit's first board at BoardSource.