Well-functioning board committees can enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of a nonprofit organization. With the proper committees in place, boards can divide administrative duties and allot space and time that would not be feasible during regular board meetings to tackle complex issues with greater depth and attention to detail. Committees are also a great way to engage specialists, potential board members, relevant staff and donors who do not sit on the board, but have value to add to your organization. However, some boards, particularly small ones, may not need committees to function well. Therefore, it is important to decide which committees are necessary and relevant for your organization.
Common committees
Executive
Consisting of the board chair and officers of the board, and potentially committee chairs, this committee’s role is to structure and oversee the work and decision-making of the board – including setting organizational goals and board agenda. This committee should be the liaison between the board and staff, by way of the chief executive, and can be empowered to make decisions on behalf of the board in certain circumstances. The role of this committee should be clearly outlined in your bylaws.
Governance
This committee reviews and executes the recruitment and onboarding process for board members. Its focus is ensuring the board is engaged and informed. It is also responsible for assessing the board's performance, upholding bylaws and ensuring board members are in good standing.
Finance
This group provides oversight for the organization’s financial health and ensures proper financial checks and balances that safeguard your assets. The committee approves the budget and oversees audits and annual tax filing (IRS Form 990). It may oversee investments if there is not a separate sub-committee. Crafting the investment policy statement and working with investment advisors or consultants to review and provide recommendations for asset allocation falls under the purview of the committee responsible for investments. The finance committee may similarly oversee and engage with the auditing firm, though some organizations delegate the task to a separate audit subcommittee.
Development/Fundraising
This committee advises on the organization’s fundraising goals and plans and engages the board in fundraising activities.
Additional committees to consider
Ad Hoc/task forces
To avoid overworking board members and causing too much unnecessary bureaucracy, a separate subcommittee, an ad hoc committee or a task force can serve as short-term solutions. Common subcommittees or taskforces focus on audit, strategic planning, capital campaigns and executive recruitment.
Program
This group focuses on the planning, implementation and evaluation of a nonprofit’s programs and services.
Membership/alumni/volunteer engagement
This committee helps staff engage non-board and staff volunteers to support the mission.
Communications/public relations/advocacy
This group can play a crucial role in raising awareness and mobilizing people around the mission.
Set yourself up for success
Be sure to have clear descriptions of the role, objective and responsibility of each committee. Their work should focus on policy and strategy, rather than day-to-day operations, and should enhance rather than duplicate or interfere with the staff’s work. It is important to regularly evaluate their function and necessity.
While you are not required to list all your committees in your bylaws (you might consider only listing your standing committees), you should put in writing the scope of authority these committees have and expectations such as meeting cadence and membership terms.
When designed strategically, nonprofit board committees can produce more focused, efficient and expert-driven governance. This structure promotes informed decision-making and engages board members’ specific skills and interests while freeing the full board of directors to concentrate on strategic oversight and organizational goals.
Nonprofit Strategy & Solutions Group
PNC’s Nonprofit Strategy & Solutions Group serves as a dedicated partner committed to empowering nonprofit organizations to achieve their mission. By combining national expertise with local knowledge, we provide comprehensive education and advice on governance, philanthropy and financial sustainability — going beyond asset management to deliver actionable insights that address the most pressing challenges nonprofits face. With our deep community ties, practical nonprofit leadership experience and strong local market presence, we provide meaningful solutions that optimize resources and deliver a sustainable impact.
For more information, contact the team at IAMNonprofitStrategy@pnc.com.
