Episode 8 – Is Serving on a Nonprofit Board a Good Fit for You?

Host: May Harris, Esq.

Guest: Nicole Miller-Coleman

“There are many things to consider when deciding to serve on a board. You have to ask yourself, and I think this is one of the most important things, what am I bringing to the board? Because it's an honor to serve on a board. What skills are you bringing? What perspective are you bringing?”

- Nicole Miller-Coleman

Purpose Over Position: What It Really Means to Serve on a Nonprofit Board

May is excited to welcome Nicole Miller-Coleman, a professional fundraiser and consultant to nonprofits. Together, they extensively explore the realm of nonprofit board membership. When presented with the opportunity to join a nonprofit's board, what actions should you consider to protect yourself? Furthermore, what potential breaches of the bylaws could a board member commit, and to what extent does promoting diversity hold significance within the board? May and Nicole will answer these thought-provoking questions today on The Nonprofit Counsel Podcast.

In This Episode

A time-stamped guide to what you’ll hear.

  • [01:16] Nicole shares her background working in many areas of the nonprofit sector

  • ​[03:36] Nicole explains the distinction between a Certified Nonprofit Professional and a Certified Fundraising Executive

  • ​[07:52] How do you know if you are suited to sit on the board of a nonprofit

  • ​[12:57] Nicole discusses the importance of bylaws and minutes and transparency around finances

  • ​[18:17] Nicole talks about one of her favorite boards and bringing on a diversified board

  • [22:09] What constitutes a conflict of interest for a board member

Key Takeaways

Insightful moments and lessons from the conversation.

  • One should only join a nonprofit board after reading the bylaws and reviewing the financials.

  • If you're going to sit on a nonprofit board, you want to make a difference; otherwise, it feels like you're just wasting your time. Make sure the nonprofit appeals to you personally.

  • ​There are many governmental forms that a nonprofit should be filling out. If they dont file them, the nonprofit status could be in jeopardy. As a prospective member, do your research into if these forms have been completed correctly.

Guest Bio: Nicole Miller-Coleman

Nicole Miller-Coleman is a seasoned nonprofit leader, consultant, and professional fundraiser with over 20 years of experience guiding organizations in strategic growth, donor engagement, and board development. As both a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) and Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), she brings deep insight into the inner workings of nonprofit leadership. Nicole helps organizations build stronger boards, elevate fundraising practices, and center equity and impact in every aspect of their work.

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