Board Governance

Iget a little uncomfortable when someone asks me to be on a board that is mostly white, seeking racial diversity by saying, “We need to have an African American on the board.” Because that question tells me they may have expectations about my experience, my skills, my networks, and my access to resources that may not be accurate. If you know me, and you know what I can and can’t do, and you’re asking me to be on a board knowing that, then I feel more comfortable with the invitation. I understand the power of allAfrican American boards. For one board I joined, I walked into a high

When board nominations come around, nonprofit leaders often ask, "Who do we know?" However, there are better ways to connect with community leaders, introduce them to your organization, and lay the groundwork for getting them involved with your organization. Creating a Blue Ribbon Nominating Committee is one way. (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits)

This guide outlines the steps and stages of a well-conducted search for a new CEO or Executive Director, as experienced by BoardWalk Consulting, a national executive search firm that specializes in recruiting CEOs and senior leaders for nonprofits and foundations. (BoardWalk Consulting)

Do you know the proper terminology for nonprofits and boards of directors? The glossary contains important terms that will help you navigate your responsibilities as a board member. Learn more about essential documents used by nonprofits such as articles of incorporation, Form 990, and the difference between a mission and vision statement; legal obligations for board members including conflicts of interest; and governance committees, executive committees, and more common committees within boards of directors. (BoardSource)

Board Meetings and Retreats - A list of resources to help you plan your next board meeting or retreat. (The Free Management Library)

Board Composition and Recruitment - Given the tremendous responsibility and decision-making power of boards, and the length of most board members' tenures, making sure you have the right composition of leaders on your board is absolutely fundamental. (BoardSource)

To pick the right board chair in the first place, you have to have a good job description and a clear articulation of needed skills and behaviors. This Nonprofit Quarterly article breaks down the role of board chair and how the position differs from the rest of the board.

A "maverick" committee--one that acts independently of the rest of the board--can be dangerous, especially when it also happens to be your executive committee. The Common Ground article "Beware of a Runaway Executive Committee" offers some tips to help you minimize the dangers.

This article provides basic information on what nonprofit boards should generally include include and exclude from their meeting minutes and how those minutes should be maintained. (Robinson Bradshaw)

Best Practices for Board Meeting Minutes

The selection of particular board training topics and training methods depend on the nature and needs of the individual organization. The guidelines and sample agenda provided in this resource may prove useful to organizations as they develop their own approach to board training. (Free Management Library)

Basic Guidelines and Sample Agenda for Board Training Session