Sample Letter Requesting to Be a Board Member (Free Template)

Sample Letter Requesting to Be a Board Member

A well-crafted board member request letter helps you stand out when applying to join a nonprofit board. It demonstrates alignment with the mission, relevant skills, and commitment to governance and fundraising responsibilities. According to CharityAuctions.com, nonprofits with an active and engaged board raise an average of 35% more at their annual auction or gala than those with lower board participation. This guide includes copy-paste templates you can use and customize.

For other request letter types including donation requests and sponsorship letters, see donation request letters.

Why your letter matters

Joining a nonprofit board isn't just about wanting to help. It's about demonstrating:

• Alignment with the organization's mission: Why does this cause matter to you?
• Relevant skills, connections, or expertise: What do you bring to the table?
• Commitment to governance and fundraising: Are you ready for the time and financial commitment?

A strong board member request letter makes a leadership-level first impression and shows you understand the role and value of board service.

What to include in your request letter

Copy-paste template: Formal letter

Use this template for a formal letter (mail or PDF attachment). Replace the bracketed placeholders with your information.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Board Chair or Executive Director's Name]
[Organization Name]
[Organization Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],

I am writing to express my strong interest in serving as a board member for [Organization Name]. As someone who is deeply passionate about [cause or mission], I admire the impact your organization has made in [community, sector, or region].

With [X years] of experience in [your field or expertise], I bring skills in [fundraising, marketing, governance, finance, etc.] that I believe could support your mission and strategic goals. I have a deep respect for the role nonprofit boards play in guiding vision, ensuring accountability, and mobilizing resources, and I am eager to contribute in those areas.

Specifically, I believe I could add value by [specific example: "helping expand corporate sponsorship opportunities," "strengthening community partnerships," or "advising on strategic growth"]. I understand that serving on a board involves both a time and financial commitment, and I am prepared to actively participate in meetings, committees, and fundraising initiatives.

I would be honored to discuss how I might best serve your board and support the continued growth of [Organization Name]. Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to the possibility of a conversation at your convenience.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Copy-paste template: Email version

For email, use a shorter version. Keep the subject line clear.

Subject: Board Member Interest, [Your Name]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],

I am writing to express my interest in serving as a board member for [Organization Name]. I am deeply passionate about [cause] and admire the impact your organization has made in [community/region].

With [X years] of experience in [your field], I bring skills in [fundraising, governance, marketing, etc.] that could support your mission. I would be glad to contribute by [specific example: “expanding corporate sponsorship opportunities” or “strengthening community partnerships”].

I understand that board service involves both time and financial commitment, and I am prepared to participate actively in meetings, committees, and fundraising.

I would welcome to opportunity to discuss how I might best serve your board. Please let me know if you would be open to a brief conversation at your convenience.

Thank you for considering my request.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone]
[Email]

Optional enhancements

• Attach a resume or short bio: Highlight relevant experience and board involvement
• Mention previous volunteer involvement: If you've volunteered with the organization, say so
• Reference mutual connections: If you know a current board member, mention it (with their permission)
• Personalize with program names: Reference specific programs or achievements you admire

Checklist before sending

• Letter is addressed to the right person (ED or Board Chair)
• You clearly state your interest and mission alignment
• Your relevant skills are highlighted
• You show understanding of board responsibilities
• Clear call to action or next step included
• Proofread for grammar and tone

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being too vague: "I want to help" without context. Be specific about skills and value.
• Sounding transactional: "I want to be on your board" with no mission connection.
• Ignoring the mission: Make it clear why this cause matters to you.
• Forgetting to follow up: Send one polite follow-up in 7 to 10 days if you don't hear back.
• Disregarding conflicts of interest: Briefly acknowledge any potential conflicts and your commitment to follow the organization's policy.

Board give-or-get expectations

Many nonprofits expect board members to "give or get" a certain amount: either donate personally or help raise funds. It's appropriate to ask about giving, fundraising, and time commitments before you commit. Board members who lead the fundraising ask at a gala or auction are especially valuable. See what is a paddle raise for how board members can drive the highest-revenue moment of any live fundraising event. Include in your letter that you're prepared to discuss these expectations.

According to CharityAuctions.com platform data:

• Nonprofits with an active and engaged board raise an average of 35% more at their annual auction or gala than those with lower board participation
• Organizations where board members personally solicit auction item donations fill an average of 40% more of their item catalog than those relying on staff alone
• CharityAuctions.com has helped 50,000+ nonprofits run fundraising events since 2007, with board engagement cited as a top predictor of auction success

See charity auction ROI benchmarks for full data on what well-governed nonprofits raise at auction events.

CharityAuctions.com is silent auction software that board members can use to run galas, auctions, and fundraising events at no upfront cost. See how to run a charity auction for a complete guide to planning an event with strong board involvement.

If your board is evaluating auction platforms, see how CharityAuctions compares to platforms other nonprofits use: CharityAuctions vs Silent Auction Pro, CharityAuctions vs RallyUp, CharityAuctions vs HelloFund, and CharityAuctions vs Event Gives.

Follow-up email template

If you don't hear back in 7 to 10 days, send one polite follow-up:

Subject: Following up, Board Service Interest

Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],

I wanted to follow up on my letter of [date] expressing my interest in serving on the board of [Organization Name]. I understand you may be busy. I would welcome a brief conversation at your convenience.

I am available [list 2 to 3 specific times or windows]. Please let me know if any of these work, or if there is a better time to connect.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

More resources

• Donation request letters: Templates for donation requests, sponsors, and in-kind donations
• Corporate fundraising ideas: Sponsorships, in-kind, and matching gifts
• Charity auction AI writing prompts: AI drafts for donation requests and sponsorship letters
• How to source auction items: Procurement and wish lists

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