The Ideal Non-Profit Board: What it looks like, and what it does (and does not do)
Deborah San Roman, CFRE
Introduction
• What are the rules?• Who am I?• Who are you?• What do we want to accomplish
together today?
Objectives• Review the importance of the by-laws for
Board effectiveness• Understand the roles and responsibilities of a
non-profit Board.• Imagine the composition of the “ideal” Board.• Understand the principles of Volunteer
Management as they apply to the Board and fundraising
Consider the By-lawsThe Board of Directors
• Number of Board members• Committees• Term limits• Rotation• Recruitment• Leadership
Consider the purpose of a non-profit Board.
The purpose of the Board is to ensure the continuity and
permanence of the organization.
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Consider the responsibilities of the Board as a governing body
Board Source has identified 10 basic responsibilities of a non-profit Board.
Board Responsibilities1. Determine the Mission and purpose of
the organization.
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*Ensure that the mission is fulfilling an authentic, current community need.*Ensure that the Mission Statement is clear, concise, compelling and unique.
Board Responsibilities2. Select the Executive Director
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*Both a manager and a leader.*Represents the organization in the community*Is a strategic thinker*Understands the value of philanthropy
Board Responsibilities3. Support and evaluate the performance of the Executive Director
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*Allow the Director to “manage” the organization*Set clear objectives and measures of performance *Have a transparent review process
Board Responsibilities4. Guarantee an effective planning process for the organization
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*Create a strategic vision*Assess the organization and environment*Determine goals & objectives*Assist in implementation *Monitor the plan
Board Responsibilities5. Monitor and strengthen programs and services
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*Ensure that services are consistent with the mission*Monitor their effectiveness
Board Responsibilities6. Ensure adecuate financial resources
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*Have a financial plan*Diversify revenue streams*Give and help get donations.*Position a Culture of Philanthropy as an important organizational value.
Board Responsibilities7. Protect assets and provide proper financial oversight
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*Develop a budget*Ensure that proper financial controls are in place
Board Responsibilities8. Build a competent Board
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*Identify future leaders*Articulate prerequisites for candidates*Provide orientation for new members*Periodically and comprehensively evaluate their own performance
Board Responsibilities9. Ensure legal and ethical integrity
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*Ultimate responsibility*Compliance with all laws and regulations*Implementation of ethical practices in all areas of the organization*Avoid conflicts of interest
Board Responsibilities10. Enhance the organization´s public standing
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*Be able to clearly articulate the organization’s mission, projects, and needs*Be a passionate advocate*Garner philanthropic support
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Consider the Responsibilities of
Each Board Member
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Board member responsibilities
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•Understand and be able to communicate the Mission•Attend meetings and come prepared•Contribute to meetings by expressing points of view•Participate on a committee•Observe the environment and report info to the CEO
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Board member responsibilities
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•Enthusiastically promote the organization•Represent the organization in the community•Make a meaningful philanthropic contribution•Attend organizational events•Maintain the confidentiality of Board proceedings
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What Board members DO NOT do:
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•Manage the organization
•Exercise authority over employees other than the CEO
•Speak or make commitments for the organization
without authorization
•Recruit new board members
•Solicit donations without following procedure
• Speak negatively of the organization, Board, or CEO
•Divulge content of Board meetings
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Planning Tool Review
Self-Assessment Tool for Nonprofit Boards
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Consider the Profile of an “Ideal” Board
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The ideal Board has “Resource Diversity”
• Age• Gender• Economic capacity• Profession• Perspective
Board Source
• Resources (time, money, contacts, expertise)
• Ethnicity• Experience
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Planning Tool Review and Input
Board Profile Matrix
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Consider the Role of the Board
in Fundraising
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Fundraising and the Board• Give and get• Approve the Development Plan• Establish policies to guide the process• Recruit a CEO who is willing to
fundraise• Recruit Board members who are willing
to participate in the process.• Attend events• Evaluate implementation of the Development Plan
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The Development Committee• Give and get donations• Participate in the planning
process • Implement and evaluate activities• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and
establish relationships with prospects
• Solicit, thank, and steward donors• Share information with the
Development Office.
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Consider the Basic Steps in
Managing Volunteers
Volunteer Management• Define organizational needs• Determine the role of
volunteers• Recruit volunteers• Provide training• Support successful
performance• Recognize and show
appreciation
EXERCISE:Volunteer Management for Fundraising*List some jobs that volunteers can do to help achieve fundraising success:*Describe volunteers that can do these jobs:*What might volunteers want from this experience?*What to volunteers need to be successful at these jobs?*How can you support the success of the volunteers?*List some ways that you can recognize volunteer success:
ObjectivesReview the importance of the by-laws for
Board effectivenessUnderstand the roles and responsibilities of a
non-profit Board.Imagine the composition of the “ideal” Board.Understand the principles of Volunteer
Management as they apply to the Board and fundraising
Aha´s
