How to Build Your First Nonprofit Board the Right Way with Sharmon Lebby

In this episode of I 501(c) You, we talk with Sharmon Lebby, founder of Blessed Designs Consulting, about what it really takes to start a nonprofit and build your first board of directors. Shaman shares hard-earned lessons from launching a nonprofit herself, including why founders need to start with mission, vision, and values, how to choose the right first board members, and why a smaller, more intentional board is often better than a large one. From fundraising and compliance to board chair leadership and avoiding the common mistake of recruiting only friends and family, this conversation offers practical guidance for nonprofit founders who want to build slow, build solid, and create a strong foundation from the beginning.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introducing Sharmon Lebby, Founder, Blessed Designs Consulting

(01:50) Creating your first board of directors

(03:55) Create your values first

(04:30) 5 elements of inaugural board members

(06:45) How should the founder view the first board?

(08:50) Inaugural board chair characteristics

(12:20) How often should a board meet?

(14:05) How long should the first board members be on the board?

(15:45) What conditions should exist before adding board members?

(17:15) Fundraising expectations for board members