(This post originally appeared in our “[lead]-ership insights” newsletter. Subscribe to get leadership lessons, ideas, and inspiration delivered to your inbox each month.)

A well-planned board retreat is more than a change of scenery—it’s a chance to strengthen your nonprofit’s leadership from the inside out. Whether you’re welcoming new members, refreshing your strategic vision, or simply carving out time for honest conversation, retreats give boards a chance to pause the daily rush and reconnect with purpose.

Here are seven things to consider as you plan your next board retreat—drawn from our own work supporting nonprofit boards around the country.

1. Start with a Purpose, Not Just an Agenda
A great retreat begins with clear intentions. What do you want to walk away with? Time to reflect? Stronger relationships? Strategic direction? Consider sending a short pre-retreat survey to gather input and identify shared priorities. Let purpose drive the structure—not the other way around.

2. Pick the Right Space—Physical or Virtual
The environment matters. Whether you’re gathering in person or online, choose a setting that invites participation and creativity. Bonus points for natural light, cozy seating, or fun digital tools. It’s not about being fancy—it’s about creating the right vibe for open, focused dialogue.

3. Weave in Time to Connect
Icebreakers and team-building moments aren’t fluff—they’re fuel. Stronger relationships lead to better board dynamics. Whether it’s a short storytelling round, a shared meal, or a creative group activity, build in moments that help people connect beyond their titles.

4. Keep the Agenda Balanced
Yes, talk strategy. Yes, evaluate progress. But don’t forget to leave breathing room. Mix full-group conversations with small group breakout sessions. Add stretch breaks. A well-paced retreat leads to clearer thinking, better engagement, and less burnout.

5. Revisit Roles and Refresh Expectations
Retreats are a perfect opportunity to step back and review what good governance looks like. Clarify roles, revisit your board’s responsibilities, and discuss how members can best support the organization. Even seasoned board members appreciate a reset on expectations.

6. Capture What Matters
Be intentional about documentation. Assign someone to take notes, capture action items, and flag ideas worth returning to later. Then turn those insights into a simple action plan with who’s doing what by when. And don’t let it collect dust—schedule a follow-up meeting to check in.

7. Close with Appreciation (and Snacks Help Too)
End on a high note. Whether it’s a heartfelt thank-you, a celebratory toast, or a goofy team photo, take time to acknowledge the contributions and presence of your board members. Retreats are about strengthening the culture, not just making decisions. Celebrate that.

One Last Word
You don’t have to get everything perfect. What matters most is making the space for your board to pause, reflect, and reconnect—to each other and to your mission. And that’s time well spent.
Looking for more retreat tips, templates, or tools? We’re here to help. Reach out anytime—we’d love to support your next board moment.

There’s wisdom in the old African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” A board retreat is a chance to slow down together in service of going farther. It offers time to align, listen deeply, and build shared commitment. That collective clarity—fueled by trust and intention—is what sustains real momentum long after the retreat ends.