As a part of an effort to understand the informational and training needs of Directors of nonprofit Boards, seven focus groups were held throughout 1999. The 57 participants in six of the sessions were Directors currently serving on a nonprofit Board in the greater Milwaukee area. The seventh group was composed of 12 independent consultants and representatives from consulting firms or nonprofit organizations which provide services to Boards.

Board Directors are hungry for information! Many found that simply participating in the focus group was a very worthwhile effort, as it allowed them the opportunity to talk about their experiences with other Directors. In some cases, the Executive Director of participating organizations later called to say that they had received feedback on what a great opportunity the focus group had provided for their representative.

"Keep this stuff up. I find talking constructively to peers extremely helpful."
"This is exactly the kind of thing we need. It helps to share issues and gain feedback."

REASONS FOR JOINING A BOARD

• People join Boards for many reasons ranging from a general "I was asked" to a specific commitment to their community, "I have a commitment to the cause of working with…" Many cited a passion for the mission of the organization as their primary motivator.
• Most Directors are recruited by the Executive Director. Placement services were not cited by anyone. Recruitment occurs through informal channels and mostly through the efforts of the executive rather then through a committee of the Board.

• Commitment, effectiveness, expertise and professionalism of the Directors are all critical to the success of the Board. However, finding people who are dedicated and who will "back up words with deeds" is a challenge for all Boards, regardless of size or sophistication.
• Funding for organizations is an enormous challenge and often overshadows all other needs. Boards lack "basic skills" for fundraising and feel that the strategies currently in place are inadequate. Many Boards are looking for ways to diversify their funding and for the most part, Directors are not just looking for more grants; they also want to know about resource development roles, funding guidelines, diversification strategies, and expectations of staff.
• Training for Board Directors is a serious challenge and perceived as inadequate or nearly nonexistent. Some participants were astonished to hear about resources in Milwaukee. Others felt that Board needs are not being met even with the current resources. There was strong agreement that communication provided directly to Directors regarding training and resource opportunities would be both beneficial and appreciated.
• Consultation directed at the full Board, or a subgroup such as a committee, is recommended. The consultation should be available on a host of governance issues ranging from setting policies to the Board's role in planning. The Board development process and committee functioning were two other areas frequently noted as needing expert facilitation.
• Transitions in Board leadership or executive staff were cited as challenges. Situations ranging from long-time Directors retiring to substantial budget growth were identified as having significant impact on Board functions.

RESOURCE NEEDS

Some of the ideas identified as potential resources by the participants centered on applying standard tools to assist them in their governance functions, such as: recruitment and nominating practices; training on roles and responsibilities and liabilities; and, orientation process and manuals for new Directors.

Training on everything from reading budgets to cultural diversity to strategic planning, is recommended.

Written resources detailing Board policies, such as sample bylaws, sample fundraising appeals, executive evaluation forms, and many other standard documents are desired.

A Board information clearinghouse including a help line and resource library would be accepted as welcomed resources.

The technical assistance grants made by the Nonprofit Management Fund are very much appreciated. Many of the participants indicated a belief that they are already making a difference in their organization specifically and in this community generally.

The initial series of focus groups led to the development of a model for a program dedicated "to increasing the involvement in and strengthening the capability of the Boards of nonprofit organizations" in Southeastern Wisconsin. In the last two focus groups, this concept was presented to the participants as a possible structure to develop and offer Board resources. The subsequent dialogues indicate strong support for the components of the program. We believe these concepts should be further developed.

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