Board Composition Matrix Template [Free Download]
What is a Board Composition Matrix?
A board matrix tracks the skills, experiences, and traits among the members of the board. It lists the board members on one axis and a list of the needed skills and attributes along the other. The board matrix is a living document that is useful for both recruitment and board development.
First, use the board composition matrix template to conduct an initial assessment of the composition of the board, and determine where there are gaps in relation to the short- and long-term needs of the organization. What skills and experiences are not represented on the board that should be? Use that information for targeted recruitment of prospective board members.
This simple version of a board matrix highlights only the top 5 traits the organization is seeking to have represented on its board. Narrowing down to a few priority characteristics can help focus board recruitment on the most important factors.
As new members join the board, add them to the matrix. If gaps in knowledge or skills remain, continue ongoing recruitment efforts, and also consider if board training would help fill the gap.
Why use a Board Matrix?
Using a board matrix helps the organization to strategically fill gaps in the qualities needed for a board's efficient and effective organization. Diversifying the board members' skills, experiences, and traits is critical to the success of the board. A board with members who all think alike and have the same skill sets will make biased or uninformed decisions that affect the organization as a whole. Diverse boards ensure that there is representation of different fields and backgrounds, allowing for a well-informed board to make efficient and effective decisions.
Tips for Using the Board Matrix Effectively
Align characteristics with the organization’s strategic plan(s). Make sure your priority traits align with the overall goals and direction of the organization, not just what one person or committee thinks is important.
Think creatively about potential characteristics that might serve your board. Some categories include age, financial status, gender, geographic location, professional expertise, demographics that represent the community (especially race/ethnicity and under-served groups), religious affiliations, and former clients or members of the audience you serve.
Be specific with your characteristics. Generalizing may result in a board member not having the proper experience to correctly advise and inform the other board members. For example, simply listing “finance” or “CPA” is probably not enough. If your organization brings in any restricted funding, such as private or government grants, a general accountant probably won’t have the skills to understand complex fund accounting. Instead, list “nonprofit finance” or “fund accounting.”
Be honest with your checkmarks. Maybe you have someone on your list who checks the box for “Connections to Foundations” but after two years on the board, that member has never been willing to actually connect your development director with their foundation. Remove their checkmark, and look for someone else who can fill that gap. It doesn’t help to count a characteristic if the board member is not willing to use it.
Where to Find a Board Matrix?
Get started now with this nonprofit board matrix template — the spreadsheet has a Simple tab and Full tab so you can use what works best for you.
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