Structures and Practices of Nonprofit Boards

Overview

This publication is part of The Governance Series, a six-book collection addressing all of the fundamental elements of service common to most boards.

Structures and Practices of Nonprofit Boards provides a set of basic guidelines to enable nonprofit boards to meet these challenges and develop board members who are actively engaged in the life of the organization. It discusses how the board is organized (including board size and term limits); who is on the board; the roles of the board chair, chief executive, and committees; and productive ways for board members to work together.

Nonprofit governance calls for visionary and vigilant leadership, efficient and flexible structures, productive and proven practices, an inquiring and trusting culture, and a shared passion for the mission.

More about The Governance Series

The Governance Series addresses all of the fundamental elements of service common to most boards, including board member responsibilities, how to structure the board in the most efficient manner, and how to accomplish governance work in the spirit of the mission of the organization.

1. Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards describes the ten core areas of board responsibility.
2. Legal Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards elaborates on the board’s legal responsibilities, liabilities, and the oversight it should provide to protect the organization.
3. Financial Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards explains board fiduciary responsibilities in the areas of financial oversight and risk management.
4. Fundraising Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards helps board members understand why they should be actively engaged in ensuring adequate resources for the organization — and how to get involved in fundraising.
5. The Nonprofit Board’s Role in Mission, Planning, and Evaluation shows how to define and communicate the organization’s mission and link strategic planning and evaluation to achieve organizational success.
6. Structures and Practices of Nonprofit Boards offers guidance on how to build and structure the board (size, committees, term limits) and enhance leadership roles and the partnership between the chair and the chief executive.