Composition of the First Board

Very often, the first board is made of friends of the founder or is a group of similarly-thinking individuals who are interested in and committed to the mission of the organization. As long as the group understands what is expected and is able to spend the time needed to get the organization on its feet, the first board is on the right track. Helpful skills, expertise, and characteristics might include:

• familiarity with the constituents and their needs
• fundraising capacity
• understanding of the field or mission of the organization
• business savvy
• knowledge of financial management
• technology know-how
• ability to work in a team
• innovativeness and flexibility
• willingness to ask questions
• time