Board Member Recruitment Email Templates
Professional templates to help you build your nonprofit board
How to Use These Templates
Replace the [BRACKETED] placeholders with your specific information. Choose the version that best fits your relationship with the potential board member. Feel free to adjust the tone and details to match your organization's style.
Primary Template - Personal Connection
Subject: Quick question about [ORGANIZATION NAME]
Hi [NAME],
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out because I'm working on something I think you might find interesting.
I'm in the process of starting a nonprofit called [ORGANIZATION NAME] to [ONE-LINE MISSION - e.g., "provide after-school tutoring for underserved students in Oakland"].
Given your experience with [RELEVANT EXPERIENCE - e.g., "education and your passion for helping young people succeed"], I immediately thought of you as someone who could provide valuable guidance.
I'm looking for 2-3 people to serve on our initial board of directors. This would involve:
• Meeting quarterly (mostly virtual) to provide strategic guidance
• Helping shape our programs and approach
• Using your expertise to help us avoid common pitfalls
• Time commitment: roughly 3-5 hours per month
We're planning to [KEY GOAL - e.g., "serve 50 students in our first year and scale from there"].
Would you be open to a quick coffee chat to hear more about what we're building? I'd love to get your thoughts even if the board role doesn't work out.
Thanks for considering it!
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR PHONE]
Alternative Templates
Professional Contact Version
Subject: Board Opportunity - [ORGANIZATION NAME]
Dear [NAME],
I hope this message finds you well. [MUTUAL CONNECTION NAME] suggested I reach out to you regarding a nonprofit initiative I'm launching.
I'm founding [ORGANIZATION NAME], a 501(c)(3) organization focused on [MISSION]. We're currently assembling our board of directors and seeking individuals with expertise in [RELEVANT FIELD - e.g., "finance," "marketing," "legal compliance"].
Your background in [SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE] would be invaluable as we work to [SPECIFIC GOAL].
The role would involve:
• Quarterly board meetings (2 hours, virtual option available)
• Strategic guidance on [SPECIFIC AREA]
• Connecting us with potential partners/funders in your network
• Estimated time: 3-5 hours monthly
Would you be available for a brief call to discuss this opportunity? I'm happy to work around your schedule.
Best regards,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR TITLE]
[ORGANIZATION NAME]
[YOUR EMAIL]
[YOUR PHONE]
Community Leader Version
Subject: Your input needed - [COMMUNITY NAME] nonprofit
Hi [NAME],
I've admired your work with [THEIR ORGANIZATION/WORK] for some time now. You've made such a difference in [COMMUNITY/AREA].
I'm starting [ORGANIZATION NAME] to address [PROBLEM - e.g., "the lack of youth sports programs in our neighborhood"]. We're going to [SOLUTION - e.g., "create free soccer leagues for kids who can't afford club sports"].
I know you understand the challenges our community faces, and I'd be honored if you'd consider joining our board of directors. Your perspective on [SPECIFIC INSIGHT - e.g., "what families really need"] would help ensure we're creating something that actually makes a difference.
The commitment is manageable - quarterly meetings and occasional input on important decisions. Most importantly, you'd help us stay connected to the community we're serving.
Could we grab coffee next week? I'd love to share more about our plans and hear your thoughts.
Thank you,
[YOUR NAME]
Skills-Based Version
Subject: Need your [SKILL - e.g., "financial expertise"] for nonprofit board
Hi [NAME],
I'm reaching out because I need someone with exactly your skillset.
I'm launching [ORGANIZATION NAME], a nonprofit that will [MISSION]. We have the passion and the program model, but we need someone who understands [SKILL AREA - e.g., "nonprofit financial management"].
Specifically, we need help with:
• [SPECIFIC NEED 1 - e.g., "Setting up proper financial controls"]
• [SPECIFIC NEED 2 - e.g., "Creating our first operating budget"]
• [SPECIFIC NEED 3 - e.g., "Ensuring IRS compliance"]
This is a board position, so it's volunteer, but the time commitment is reasonable (3-5 hours/month). You'd be joining [OTHER BOARD MEMBERS - e.g., "two other founding board members with backgrounds in education and social work"].
Your expertise would directly impact our ability to [IMPACT - e.g., "serve 100+ youth in our first year"].
Interested in learning more? I can send over a brief overview or we could hop on a quick call.
Thanks,
[YOUR NAME]
Follow-Up Version
Subject: Re: [ORGANIZATION NAME] board opportunity
Hi [NAME],
I wanted to circle back on my previous email about [ORGANIZATION NAME].
Since we last spoke, we've [RECENT PROGRESS - e.g., "secured our first program location and received commitments from two other board members"]. We're moving forward with our 501(c)(3) application and expect to launch programs in [TIMELINE].
I'm still very interested in having you involved, even if a board position isn't the right fit. Perhaps you could:
• Serve as an informal advisor
• Join a specific committee (programs, fundraising, etc.)
• Provide occasional guidance in your area of expertise
We're having an informal gathering on [DATE] at [LOCATION] to discuss our plans. Would you like to join us? No commitment necessary - just come learn more about what we're building.
Let me know if you'd like to attend or if another time works better for a conversation.
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
📝 Pro Tips for Board Recruitment
- ✓Start with people you know - they're more likely to say yes and trust your vision
- ✓Be specific about time commitment - vague asks scare people away
- ✓Lead with mission impact, not organizational needs
- ✓Make it easy to say "yes" to a conversation, even if they say "no" to the board role
- ✓Consider offering "Advisory Board" positions for those hesitant about legal responsibilities
- ✓Follow up within 48 hours if they express any interest
- ✓Have a one-page overview ready to send after initial interest
- ✓Remember: You need minimum 3 unrelated board members for 501(c)(3) compliance
Part of the 501(c)(3) Formation Kit
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