Ideal Board Strengths

• Board understands and supports the mission 
• Board is engaged in strategic planning
• Board provides adequate fiscal oversight and risk management
• Board is actively involved in raising funds
• Ongoing Board nominating process (not once a year)
• Board committees are active and include non-board members 

Common Board Weaknesses

• Poor attendance at meetings
• Focus on the day-to-day vs. the big picture
• Members not prepared for meetings
• Members "not on the same page"
• Lack of confidentiality
• No diversity of opinions, race, gender, age, geography
• Lack of succession planning 

Typical Expectations of Board Members

• Attend the majority of Board meetings
• Be an ambassador for the organization
• Make a meaningful personal contribution
• Support other fund raising programs of the organization
• Participate on a committee
• Purchase a subscription/membership, etc.