Board Development Services
Leaders Matter
An engaged philanthropic board is central to sustained impact and long-term growth.
At Development Guild, we help nonprofit organizations build boards that lead with purpose, govern effectively, and actively advance fundraising success. Our experienced consultants partner closely with organizational leadership to strengthen board structure, culture, and outcomes — so your board is not only supportive, but truly active in philanthropic efforts.
We design board development engagements that elevate governance practices, clarify roles and expectations, and foster deeper engagement and accountability. The result is a board that is aligned with your mission, prepared to lead, and equipped to champion your organization’s future.
Since 1978, Development Guild has partnered with nonprofit organizations nationwide to help them meet their most ambitious goals. Whether your board needs realignment, renewed engagement, or stronger fundraising leadership, we bring the experience, insight, and partnership required to drive meaningful change.
Each Board Development engagement is tailored to our client’s unique goals, priorities, and timeline. Projects typically last three to four months and may include the following:
Assessment
Evaluating Board structure, culture, giving history, and readiness for philanthropic leadership
Interviews & Surveys
Gathering candid stakeholder insights to inform strategy and alignment
Restructuring
Strengthening governance models and clarifying roles, expectations
Development
Building the leadership skills and recruitment pipeline needed for effective, long-term governance
How can we help you?
Since 1978, Development Guild has partnered with nonprofit organizations nationwide to achieve their most ambitious goals. Whether you need new talent, fundraising or campaign solutions, or strategic counsel, we can help.
Provide us with some context, and we will connect you with the right consultant.
What Board Development Entails
Each Board engagement is tailored to the client’s unique timeline, goals, and priorities. Projects typically last three to four months and may include the following
Key Activities
Key Deliverables
- Review by-laws and governance policies and procedures
- Evaluate Board and Committee structure, roles, and responsibilities
- Assess Board activity around meeting participation and giving history
- Conduct internal leadership team and one-on-one Board interviews
- Attend and participate in Board and Committee meetings
- Develop framework and materials for annual Board survey, Board pipeline and recruitment, and Board trainings, as needed
- Check-in meetings with leadership (weekly or bi-weekly)
- Regular communication with leadership and staff
Key Deliverables
- Updated by-laws, policies, procedures, and job descriptions
- Analysis of Board engagement and activity
- Detailed summaries of interviews
- Annual Board survey framework and/or survey results
- Board pipeline framework
- Board training session(s)/coaching around identified needs
- Final report of key findings and recommendations
- Presentation of final report to organizational and Board leadership
Working with Development Guild came at exactly the right moment for ITC, as we stepped into a new chapter of board leadership and fundraising capacity. Lynn Shevory, VP, Fundraising, brought a calm, grounding presence and a remarkably strategic mind. She clearly sees what an organization can become and has the vision and skills to help you get there. She helped our team navigate new ideas and nuanced governance questions with thoughtfulness, clarity, and deep respect for our culture as an early childhood center. We ended the engagement more aligned as a leadership group, with stronger habits around preparation, follow-through, and accountability, and a renewed sense of what is possible.
— Anne Dugan, Director of Development
The Company We Keep
Explore our client stories...
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Friends of the Public Garden
Integrating interim leadership, fundraising counsel, & search for a transformational campaign
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Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation
How a think tank broadened their base of philanthropic support
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The Home for Little Wanderers
STRENGTHENING LEADERSHIP TEAM AND PHILANTHROPY TO GROW ANNUAL SUPPORT BY 50%
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Huntington Theatre Company
Interim management provides seamless transition for new Director of Development
How can we help you?
Since 1978, Development Guild has partnered with nonprofit organizations nationwide to achieve their most ambitious goals. Whether you need new talent, fundraising or campaign solutions, or strategic counsel, we can help.
Provide us with some context, and we will connect you with the right consultant.
Ask your own
BIG Question
HOW IT WORKS:
1 - We’ll meet with you and plan
how and when to ask your BIG
Question.
2 - We’ll bring your community
together! We start with a live
event.
3 - We’ll review the results with
you and discover key takeaways,
teach you how to analyze, and
how review the results yourself.