The research report, Beyond Governance: Exploring the Intersection of Board Practices and Structure and Executive Leadership in North Carolina Nonprofits, explores the effectiveness of board governance in North Carolina nonprofit organizations, focusing on organizational factors, performance measures, board structure, and best practices.
Based on data, analysis, interviews, and insights from NC nonprofit executive directors, the report offers recommendations to help nonprofits improve board effectiveness, including:
- Implement a formal process for monitoring board performance, including annual self-assessments and governance retreats.
- Strengthen the relationship between EDs and boards through regular communications and structured strategic plans.
- Clarify roles and responsibilities between EDs and boards to enhance collaboration and decision-making.
- Establish a formal board structure and processes in organizational bylaws, including attendance policies and meeting frequencies.
This report was researched and authored by Amro Ilaiwy, with guidance from Drs. Christopher Cody and Sarah Towne, and submitted to the Master of Public Administration Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Spring 2025.
