Download as PDF, PPTX
Uploaded byGross, Mendelsohn & Associates
5 Essential Steps to Building a Better Board for Your Nonprofit
The document outlines five essential steps for building an effective board for nonprofits, including defining board responsibilities, identifying suitable board members, improving accountability, managing leadership transitions, and boosting engagement. Key responsibilities for board members include ensuring compliance, strategic oversight, and enhancing the organization's public image. The guide also offers practical action steps and strategies to recruit members and create a productive board environment.
More Related Content
Similar to 5 Essential Steps to Building a Better Board for Your Nonprofit
More from Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates
5 Essential Steps to Building a Better Board for Your Nonprofit
- 1. 5 Essential Stepsto Building a Better Board for Your Nonprofit Richard Wolf, CPA, CGMA, CFE, CVA
- 2. Introductions Richard Wolf, CPA,CGMA, CFE, CVA Principal at Gross Mendelsohn 20 years of public accounting experience in the nonprofit sector
- 3. Today we’ll cover 1.Basic responsibilities of your board and their role in good governance 2. How to identify the right (and wrong) board members for your organization 3. Ways to improve board accountability 4. How to prepare for and undergo leadership transition 5. Simple strategies to boost board engagement
- 4. Start watching You canwatch this presentation as a free on-demand webinar
- 5.
- 6. Board Responsibilities Ensure thatthe organization is fulfilling its mission Guarantee that the organization complies with its bylaws and other rules Review the organization’s financial performance
- 7. Board Responsibilities Hire andevaluate the executive officer Determine and monitor the organization’s programs and services Set strategic objectives
- 8. Board Responsibilities Enhance theorganization’s public image Serve as content matter experts and a sounding board for executive officers Protect the assets of the organization
- 9. Board Responsibilities Ensure legaland ethical integrity Ensure adequate resources are available to the organization
- 10.
- 11.
- 12.
- 13.
- 14.
- 15.
- 16.
- 17. Identify the right(and wrong) board members for your organization Action Step #2
- 18. How many boardmembers should my organization have?
- 19. The average nonprofitboard size in the United States is 17 members.
- 20. Is a biggerboard better?
- 21. Is a biggerboard better? Burden on director and staff
- 22. Is a biggerboard better? $ Costs associated Burden on director and staff
- 23. Is a biggerboard better? $ Costs associated Burden on director and staff Enough for a healthy debate
- 24. Don’ts of boardcomposition
- 25. Don’ts of boardcomposition Going committee crazy
- 26. Don’ts of boardcomposition Playing an (odd) numbers game 1 2 3
- 27. Don’ts of boardcomposition Not having enough seats at the table
- 28. Potential board membersto consider
- 29.
- 30.
- 31.
- 32.
- 33.
- 34.
- 35.
- 36. Board Composition Traps Skillstrap Free services trap
- 37. Board Composition Traps Skillstrap Free services trap Money/connection trap
- 39.
- 40. Who is theboard accountable to? Supporters Members Beneficiaries Employees Grantors Collaborators
- 41. Principles of goodgovernance
- 42. Legal compliance andpublic disclosures
- 43. Legal compliance andpublic disclosures Effective governance
- 44. Legal compliance andpublic disclosures Effective governance Strong financial oversight
- 45. Legal compliance andpublic disclosures Effective governance Strong financial oversight Responsible fundraising
- 46. Two aspects ofboard accountability
- 47. Two aspects ofboard accountability Individual board member accountability
- 48. Two aspects ofboard accountability Individual board member accountability & The board’s collective responsibility
- 49. Individual Board Member Accountability Attendboard meetings Serve on committees Be knowledgeable about the organization
- 50. Individual Board Member Accountability Personalfinancial contribution every year Act as an advocate
- 51.
- 52.
- 53. Board’s Collective Accountability Self-assessmentof the board Annual assessment of the CEO Address issues head-on Lead with authenticity
- 54. Create leadership transitionplans Action Step #4
- 55. Change in ExecutiveDirector Candid assessment of organization’s strengths and weaknesses Candid assessment of outgoing executive director’s strengths and weaknesses
- 56. Change in ExecutiveDirector Communication is key throughout the process Staff needs to see that the board is leading a thoughtful transition
- 57. Change in ExecutiveDirector Provide assistance to the new hire Prepare the way, as successful executives rarely let go easily Be proactive in your efforts for a smooth transition
- 58. Board Succession Define rolesof board leadership positions
- 59. Board Succession Define adevelopment process for future board leaders
- 60. Board Succession Define aprocess of succession
- 61. Board Succession On-boarding ororientation for new board leaders
- 62.
- 63. Meaningful Work Connected tothe Mission Part of the Process Active Participation Why do Board Members Feel Engaged?
- 64.
- 65. Assign board mentorsto new board members Assist all board members in finding the appropriate committee assignment Include copy of mission statement and strategic plan in board orientation materials General Pointers
- 66. Include bios ofall board members in board orientation materials Find the right balance of communication Show appreciation Board contracts General Pointers
- 67. Distribute board packetsprior to meeting to: Anticipate key questions Get committee reports in writing Use name tags/tents at all board meetings Provide a list of all internal acronyms Board Meeting Pointers
- 68. Board chair shouldlead meetings, not the Executive Director Structure board meeting agendas around important questions, not minor details Board Meeting Pointers
- 69. Focus not on“telling” and “selling,” but on “testing,” “consulting” and “creating” Adjourn on time, or agree to stay later Board Meeting Pointers
- 70.
- 71. FREE QUIZ Start thequiz now 8 Questions to Discover the Type of Board Member Your Nonprofit is Missing