“Disadvantages. In the first years of a new nonprofit, it may seem counterproductive to implement term limits for board members. Serving on the board of a start-up nonprofit that lacks resources is rarely prestigious and is typically labor intensive since most start-ups lack staff. It can be difficult to find qualified directors who possess the requisite passion for the cause, understanding of the mission, and willingness to work. Another disadvantage of term limits is that the organization will spend more time and resources to recruit and educate new directors and will lose the group cohesion that comes with directors who have worked together for a long time. Additionally, the organization may lose directors who are fervent supporters of the organization and the mission.
Advantages. While the above points may lead incorporators to create a board without term limits, it is important to remember that there are also many positive aspects of term limits that may outweigh the negative aspects. For example, an organization with term limits may be better able to attract active and involved members of the community who are not able to make a long term commitment to the organization. Term limits allow busy executives and community leaders to serve the organization and bring fresh new ideas that they may not otherwise have been able to share had they been required to make a longer-term commitment.”
