State laws determine the minimum size for nonprofit boards. In most states it is three. However, the number varies so you should be familiar with your state statutes.
Very often, the first board is made of friends of the founder or is a group of similarly-thinking individuals who are interested in and committed to the mission of the organization.
Every nonprofit corporation needs a board. To be able to enjoy the various benefits of a nonprofit status, the organization needs a board that stands for the organization.
Every founder needs to determine his or her role within the organization. Probably the most difficult thing to realize is that you will not be the owner of the organization.
Every organization has a mission. For for-profits, it is to create profit for the owners or shareholders. In the nonprofit sector there are just about as many missions as there are organizations.