What If My Board Doesn’t Get It?
- Sheree Cannon
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Updated: May 14
How to realign your board without drama, power struggles, or starting over
Sheree Cannon | Nonprofit Strategist & Consultant | Author
© Sheree Cannon, author. All rights reserved.
Introduction
You’ve tried everything—emails, retreats, reminders, role descriptions. Still, you find yourself wondering after every board meeting: Why don’t they get it?
Why aren’t they more engaged? Why do they micromanage one moment and disappear the next? Why are they avoiding fundraising when the organization clearly needs their support?
The truth is, board frustration is one of the most common concerns among nonprofit CEOs and founders. And yet it’s often spoken about in hushed tones—because confronting it directly can feel risky, political, or personal.
This white paper is designed to give you a calmer, clearer path forward. You don’t need to start over. You need to realign—and it’s absolutely possible.
Why Boards Drift in the First Place
Board disengagement or misalignment rarely happens all at once. It builds quietly, usually due to:
Unclear onboarding
Lack of ongoing education
Board composition that doesn’t reflect current organizational needs
No shared framework for governance or fundraising roles
Fear of conflict, or fear of asking too much
When board members aren’t clear on their role—or don’t feel equipped to lead—they often check out or overstep.
Neither is helpful. Both are solvable.
“Most board misalignment is a systems issue—not a people problem.”
What Happens When the Board Isn’t Aligned
A disconnected board creates:
Decision-making confusion and power struggles
Development pressure placed solely on staff
Missed fundraising opportunities
Friction with leadership
Disengaged or ineffective governance
Loss of staff morale and trust in leadership
It’s not about blame—it’s about clarity, accountability, and support.
Five Steps to Realign Your Board Without Starting Over
1. Define What a Fully Aligned Board Looks Like for You
What kind of board does your organization need right now? Be specific:
What roles should they play in fundraising, strategy, and oversight?
What kind of relationships should they have with staff and donors?
How should meetings feel and function?
Without a shared vision, misalignment will continue by default.
2. Re-Introduce Governance Education Without Shame
Create space to revisit board fundamentals—roles, responsibilities, fundraising expectations, mission alignment. This isn’t remedial—it’s a strategic reset.
Include:
A fresh board orientation or workshop
Conversation around “how we govern here”
Clear expectations for participation, giving, and ambassadorship
Sample policies or scenarios for discussion
3. Align Board Composition with Strategy
Do your current board members still reflect the organization’s next phase of growth? Ask:
What skills or networks are missing?
What voices are underrepresented?
What roles need to rotate off with kindness and care?
This isn’t about removing people abruptly—it’s about creating a path forward with intention.
4. Elevate the Relationship Between Board and Leadership
This should be a partnership—not a hierarchy or silo. Invite board leadership into real strategic conversations. Share financials openly. Ask for support where it’s needed. Hold accountability where it’s missing.
Trust grows when communication is honest and consistent.
5. Make Governance a Culture, Not an Annual Task
Board alignment doesn’t happen at one retreat. It happens through:
Regular check-ins
Meeting design that fosters real engagement
Peer-to-peer accountability
Culture that values contribution over control
You’re not just managing a group—you’re shaping a culture of leadership.
Conclusion: You Can Lead This Shift—Without Burnout or Conflict
You don’t have to settle for a disengaged or misaligned board. You also don’t have to start over. Most boards want to be effective—they just don’t always know how.
Start with clarity. Name what’s working. Gently but clearly address what’s not. Give your board something real to step into.
Because when your board gets it, everything else gets easier.
