The document discusses the role and responsibilities of nonprofit boards. It outlines that boards are legally required and provide expertise, safeguard the organization, and make it stronger. The key responsibilities of boards include establishing the mission, engaging in strategic planning, approving and monitoring programs, ensuring financial resources, hiring and supporting the CEO, enhancing public image, and selecting new board members. The document then provides suggestions for how boards can fulfill these responsibilities, such as developing committee structures, defining roles, regularly reviewing the mission, engaging in strategic planning, monitoring programs and finances, and orienting and recruiting new members.

1. Assessment Retreat Charmaine Dennis, MBA Nonprofit Development Consultant 1Knight Consulting Group The Role of the Board 1Knight Consulting Group

2. Why Have a Board? It’s legally required Expertise and knowledge Safeguard Organization Makes for a stronger organization An opportunity to contribute to the community A learning experience Provides a sense of belonging and community 1Knight Consulting Group

3. What Does The Board Do? Establishes the organization’s mission Engages in strategic planning Approves and monitors the organization’s programs Ensures adequate financial resources Provides fiscal oversight 1Knight Consulting Group

4. Hires and supports the Chief Executive Officer Understands the relationship between Board and staff Enhances the organization’s public image Selects and orients new Board members Insures that the Board operates efficiently What Does the Board Do? 1Knight Consulting Group

5. How Does the Board Fulfill Its Responsibilities? Understands them Develops and implements committee structure Clearly defines roles, responsibilities for all Board members (e.g. job descriptions, goals and objectives for committees, timelines and schedules) Agrees on ground rules – rules of engagement Engages in continuous Board improvement (recruitment, training, evaluation) 1Knight Consulting Group

6. Regularly review it Make sure all Board members understand and support it Test program evaluation against it How Do We Determine the Mission? 1Knight Consulting Group

7. Establish vision and goals Define indicators towards meeting goals Monitor progress How Do We Engage in Strategic Planning? 1Knight Consulting Group

8. Program Committee MIS System Best Practice and Community Needs Assessment How Do We Monitor Programs and Services? 1Knight Consulting Group

9. Create a Resource Development Plan Monitor Implementation Invest in Resource Development How Do We Insure Adequate Financial Resources? 1Knight Consulting Group

10. Finance Committee Make sure each member of the Board understands the finance statement How Do We Ensure Fiscal Oversight? 1Knight Consulting Group

11. Conduct performance annual review Make sure CEO can access expertise and assistance How Do We Support the CEO? 1Knight Consulting Group

12. Job Descriptions Discuss & Adopt Rules for Communication Protocol in place for decision making How Do We Understand the Relationship between Board and Staff? 1Knight Consulting Group

13. Individual Board members do not speak for the organization A public relations and marketing strategy is in place Take opportunities to promote positive image in the community How Do We Enhance Our Public Image? 1Knight Consulting Group

14. Continually Develop Orientation Packet Board Job Descriptions Annual Calendar Board Organizational Chart Mentor new Board members Set recruitment goals and timeline How Do We Select and Orient New Board Members? 1Knight Consulting Group

15. Committee structure with Stated purpose Job descriptions Timelines Work plans Articulate clear expectations regarding time commitments Make time to discuss important issues Do your homework How Do We Organize Ourselves? 1Knight Consulting Group

16. Choose Board responsibility areas to address Set goals, develop plan Monitor, set date for next self-evaluation Next Steps? 1Knight Consulting Group