Serving on a nonprofit board is both an honor and a responsibility. While governance and oversight are critical, the most effective boards know their role goes beyond reviewing budgets and approving minutes.

True support means walking beside the CEO—understanding the weight they carry, creating space for candid dialogue, and offering partnership where it matters most.

And sometimes, that support starts with asking the right question….

In the hustle of running a small nonprofit, donor stewardship often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. With limited staff, time, and resources, it's easy to feel like you can’t do more than send a year-end thank you or a tax receipt.

But here’s the truth: meaningful stewardship doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, small teams are uniquely positioned to build genuine, trust-based relationships with supporters. With a few intentional tweaks, you can scale stewardship in ways that feel authentic—without burning out your team.

Here are five simple, scalable ways to do it: