In today’s social and value-driven world, the success of a nonprofit organization is measured not only by its activities or the scope of its beneficiaries, but also by the partnerships and leadership circles it cultivates around it. Expanding the leadership circle and engaging committed volunteers is a strategic growth engine for any nonprofit—it is essential for building a diverse network, creating cross-sector collaborations, and strengthening the organization’s public standing and operational resilience over time.
The Importance of Establishing a Board of Trustees
Setting up a board of trustees is a top-level strategic move. This advisory and philanthropic body works alongside the professional management team and is composed of senior leaders, businesspeople, public figures, and celebrities who share the organization’s values and see promoting its goals as a personal mission.
The involvement of such partners is more than a mark of prestige—it is a tangible asset: it opens doors, expands influence, and creates significant progress in every area—from branding and public exposure to fundraising and shaping the organization’s future.
Who Are the Ideal Candidates for the Board of Trustees?
Establishing a board of trustees enables the organization to engage individuals who wish to contribute from their professional and personal experience but are not interested in assuming the heavy legal and managerial responsibilities required of board of directors’ members.
Such candidates may include:
- Senior executives from industry and commerce
- Businesspeople and philanthropists
- Professionals from the media, cultural and educational sectors
- Former diplomats, public figures, and government officials
- Experts in finance, law, marketing, business development, and technology
Many of them seek to make an impact—but in a more flexible format that does not demand operational decision-making or full legal accountability. The board of trustees provides them with a platform and a role of meaningful influence.
Establishing a Concept-Driven Board – Inspiring Value-Based Alignment
When establishing a board of trustees, there is a meaningful opportunity to add depth and purpose by developing a unique concept—one that connects the forum members with the essence of the nonprofit, not only through their desire to help, but also on a personal, experiential, and value-based level. Creative thinking should be applied when forming the identity of the forum, by selecting individuals with similar backgrounds or shared values, yet who operate in different professional spheres. This creates a unique synergy that strengthens members’ commitment and identification with the organization and its mission.
For example, a nonprofit focused on extreme sports would benefit from a board including leaders who have personally experienced the world of sports—athletes, industry entrepreneurs, instructors, or media professionals—who can create authentic partnerships and connections. A women’s empowerment nonprofit can engage women who rose from disadvantaged backgrounds and became leaders in their fields—bringing real inspiration and a wide-reaching network. A nonprofit helping at-risk children and youth may form a board of trustees composed of people who themselves overcame difficult childhoods—turning the forum into a place of deep moral authority, empathy, and lived leadership.
This approach helps forge strong value-based bonds between board members and the organization’s mission, boosts the sense of belonging and purpose, raises commitment levels, and fosters authentic, representative volunteer leadership that becomes an integral part of the nonprofit’s identity.
Areas of Activity for the Board of Trustees
The board of trustees functions as a supportive and advisory body, working closely with the nonprofit’s executive team and committed to advancing its goals. Key areas of activity include:
- Strategic advice to leadership in areas such as project development, resource mobilization, communications, and external relations
- Assisting with fundraising, opening doors to donors and foundations, participating in fundraising events, and developing business partnerships
- Leading collaborations with entities from the public, private, and international sectors
- Enhancing reputation and public visibility of the organization through public representation across diverse audiences
- Providing professional guidance to the nonprofit’s staff in a variety of fields, including branding, technology, legal matters, or financial planning
- Building new volunteer leadership by identifying and recruiting key figures to join the organization’s activities
The Contribution of Trustees to Organizational Leadership
Trustees bring with them a high-level, external, and diverse perspective that is often unavailable to staff working “on the ground.” Strategic thinking, international connections, entrepreneurial experience, broad financial vision, or legal expertise—all of these support the organization’s growth, development, and ability to operate with transparency and efficiency.
In this sense, the board of trustees acts as a “supportive outer circle” that guides and uplifts the organization—without interfering in its direct management.
Integrating the Board of Trustees into the Nonprofit’s Work
To ensure effective integration of the board of trustees, it is important to define clear roles, including:
- Chairperson of the Board of Trustees – leads forum activity, responsible for coordinating meetings, initiating new projects, and recruiting new members
- Subcommittee members – focus on specific domains such as fundraising, international relations, innovation, or legal counsel
- Public ambassadors – promote the organization’s mission in public, business, and media arenas
- Professional advisors – contribute pro bono consulting hours based on the organization’s professional needs
To sustain motivation and engagement, it is essential to maintain regular communication with trustees, provide updates on the nonprofit’s activities, involve them in celebratory gatherings and milestone events, and express appreciation both publicly and personally.
In conclusion, establishing a board of trustees is a vital pillar in transitioning from a local nonprofit to one of broad influence and impact—one that operates in strategic partnership with civil society and business leaders. It serves as a fundraising engine, a source of strategic thinking, and a powerful public ambassador—critical to any nonprofit aiming to grow, achieve long-term sustainability, and create deep and lasting change in Israeli society and the global community.
