Whereas a board of directors focuses on governance, an advisory board contributes—you guessed it—advice and insight.

An advisory board has no governing power or fiduciary responsibility. They simply offer opinions. That thought leadership, however, can have a powerful impact on a nonprofit’s perception. Often, advisory boards focus on specific areas of nonprofit needs or ambassadorship. Advisory members shape your outreach strategy by:

• Representing an audience that the nonprofit seeks stronger connection to.
• Making that connection happen through networking and planning events.
• Reporting directly to leadership, not the board of directors.