Your Form 990 asks whether a nonprofit has a "gift acceptance policy" that requires the review of any "non-standard gifts" (gifts other than cash or check). Additionally, a written gift acceptance policy can help manage the expectations of donors, (while treating them with respect) and also serve as guidance for board and staff members who are either on the asking, or receiving, end of contributions.
A series of guidelines by the Association of Fundraising Professionals which "explores a way to frame the conversation about your board's give-or-get policy so that you can gain consensus from all board members and come to a satisfactory conclusion."
Getting Your Board Members to Give, Get, or Get Off
Ethical standards and principles are the foundation for maintaining public trust in your organization and the nonprofit sector as a whole. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) first published its code of ethical standards for fundraising professionals in 1964, and "believes that ethical behavior fosters the development and growth of fundraising professionals and the fundraising profession, and enhances philanthropy and volunteerism."
Download a sample Board Member Committee description to use as a summary of who serves on which committees and what each committee's area of responsibility entails.
It is important to know what is expected in order for a board member to fulfill his/her commitment to serve your organization. Make it clear by using this sample to outline what the duties and responsibilities would be required. (Blue Avocado)
Sample Board Member Contract
Sabbaticals can be a win-win for your organization and everyone in it. Sabbaticals Help Keep Good Executives offers lessons and advice from nonprofit leaders who have taken sabbaticals. (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits)
Smart nonprofits take risks—many risks—every day. Such organizations are creative, inventive, and continue to succeed despite the changing environment. These organizations know that success demands risk-taking, and they create an organizational culture that regularly assesses risk, favors intelligent risks, and mitigates the impact of known risks. (First Nonprofit Group)
Risk Management: Your Role as a Board Member
This article details the importance of having a process in place for recruiting and orienting new board members. By following this process, it becomes evident that recruiting board members is much like hiring a staff position. Orientation is crucial to an effective board and this article dives into what that process could look like. (Free Management Library)
Recruiting and Orienting New Members
Overviews of the general procedure for changing bylaws at a nonprofit organization:
How to Amend Nonprofit Bylaws by NOLO.com
How To Amend Bylaws: Everything You Need to Know by UpCounsel.com
How to Revise Your Bylaws by ForSmallNonprofits.com
This BoardSource blog post tackles the issue of proactive succession planning. Learn more about the board's role in preparation, leader development, and planning for the future of your organization.