Where can I learn about developing my nonprofit's board?
As the governing body of a nonprofit, the board of directors or board of trustees fulfills a variety of roles and responsibilities. Among its many duties, the board:
- Oversees the financial operations of the organization
- Maintains the legal and ethical standing of the organization and its staff
- Provides leadership and strategic direction for the organization
- Ensures that an organization remains accountable to its donors and to the general public
To carry out these duties effectively, the board will often need to expand as an organization grows and matures. While recruitment is one important step in this process, a broad, systematic approach to board development, including orientation, training, evaluation, and the cultivation of prospective board members, is critical to ensuring the long-term success of any board.
To learn more about developing nonprofit boards, we offer the following training:
Before You Seek a Grant: A Checklist for New Nonprofits, our free video that discusses how to develop a governing board for a new organization.
Seven Lessons Learned from Nonprofit Leaders, our free video full of concrete tips and tools to make sure the board and executive director work smoothly together.
Steps You Can Take Immediately to Diversify Your Board and Major Donor Base, our free video with practical advice on building powerful relationships with diverse people who offer expertise, wealth, and influence
Local organizations, like volunteer agencies and United Way chapters, also may offer programs that train people how to be effective nonprofit board members. Additionally, these programs will usually match trainees with nonprofits who are looking for board members.
See also our related Knowledge Base articles:
- Where can I find information on a board's legal duties?
- What is the board's role in fundraising?
- How can I find board members for my nonprofit?
More resources on the topic of nonprofit boards.
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Staff-recommended websites
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Staff pick
Free Management Library
All About Boards of Directors
The Free Management Library contains links and resources on a variety of topics related to organizational management. The section on Boards of Directors includes resources for both for-profit and nonprofit boards.
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Alliance for Nonprofit Management
A professional association of individuals and organizations devoted to improving the management and governance capacity of nonprofit organizations.
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Help 4 Nonprofits
Articles Library
Offers articles and links to resources on a variety of nonprofit management topics, including governance and board mechanics.
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The Bridgespan Group
Becoming a More Effective Board
"This article explores the key elements of what effective board performance looks like, and how can nonprofit boards become more effective."
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National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC)
Board Development
This manual provides nonprofit community-based organization board and staff members with new insight and specific tools and resources for building an effective board.
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Help 4 Nonprofits
Board Diversity: A Bigger Issue Than You Think
Discusses the issue of community representation in the board and outlines several approaches to building board diversity.
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Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Board Governance
Outlines best practices for board characteristics and qualifications, composition, responsibilities, and operations.
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Board Match
Board Match offers networking events for nonprofits and potential board members a chance to meet informally. Interested board members come from major employers across many industries.
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BoardSource
Board Posting & Matching Programs by Region
Provides links to national and state-specific board matching programs.
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IRS
Governance and Related Topics - 501(c)(3) Organizations
IRS's recommended policies and practices for nonprofit governance, especially in regards to: Mission; Organizational Documents; Governing Body; Governance and Management Policies; Financial Statements and Form 990 Reporting; and Transparency and Accountability.
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National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC)
Leadership Development
This manual gives learners new insight and specific tools to lead their organizations more effectively and develop better relations with employees and partners.
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Staff pick
Help 4 Nonprofits
Ongoing Board Education
This article discusses how to cultivate an ongoing education program of what it means to be a board.
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Staff pick
Taproot Foundation
Taproot Plus
Taproot's site will match you with the volunteers you're looking for.
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Staff pick
Nonprofit Works Inc.
Templates, Worksheets, Guides, and Sample Documents
Contains downloadable templates, worksheets, and sample documents for planning, budgets, fund development, communications, and board training.
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Venable LLP
Ten Tips on Effective Governance and Board Relationships
Beginning on page 10 of this November 19, 2014 PDF seminar handout, nonprofit lawyers offer tips on maintaining a good relationship with your board.
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Blue Avocado
What to Do When You Really, Really Disagree with a Board Decision
"There are more choices than simply keeping quiet or being disruptive...." Jan Masaoka's blog posted Feb. 22, 2010.
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Blue Avocado
What to Do with Board Members Who Don't Do Anything
Lists short and long-term strategies for fostering greater involvement from less active board members. Board Café, part of the online magazine Blue Avocado, regularly features articles about boards and nonprofit governance.
Staff-recommended books
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High Performance Boards: Improving and Energizing your Governance
Find: Amazon | Free eBook