Board

“Tell me about the pig.” That was the unexpected request that I got from a client’s board member at a gala event. I paused, and then it hit me...

As an executive director or development professional who has experienced the frustration of dealing with nonprofit board fundraising or asking your board to raise money for your organization, you are not alone...

It’s not practical to assume that your nonprofit board of directors can feasibly communicate with each other only during official gatherings. However, if the people who are part of a board live in different places or have busy schedules, keeping in touch can be tough. Fortunately, there are numerous tools to aid in collaboration. They’re even reasonably priced!...

A common feature of successful nonprofits is a highly engaged board of directors; a board partnership with the CEO on the right issues and investing quality time and resources in the organization they lead. If your board is falling short of this goal, there are steps that you can take to improve their performance...

Diversity, equity and inclusion are much talked about topics across most sectors today; whether you work in the public, corporate or nonprofit world. Diversity is a broad concept that can include ability, age, gender, race, regional or socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. The nonprofit sector in particular has struggled with this issue, and this piece will take a look at board diversity as it relates to race...

What does it mean for a nonprofit board to “support” its executive director? A bevy of organization development consultants promote a principle, to which I also subscribe: Nonprofit boards have one employee, and that employee is the executive director/CEO...

Welcome back to #NPPTrendingNow, a weekly video series where NonProfit PRO Editor-in-Chief Nhu Te breaks down the top three coveted stories of the week. Here's what we've got going on for you this week: one major donor's experience with two different nonprofits, legal responsibilities of nonprofit board members and event planning tips...

I was recently asked to make a presentation at a hospital foundation’s board of directors meeting. The foundation executive director wanted me to speak on how to engage his board members in fundraising. I truly enjoy teaching and speaking to groups, so I was prepared. The secondary benefit for me in meeting with this group was to watch the executive director interact with his board chair and board members and see how the meeting was directed...

If you’ve ever worked or have been associated with volunteer leadership at a nonprofit board, then you are probably aware of a situation that can expose individuals to legal jeopardy. One of the most essential aspects of serving on a board and having board members is to ensure that everyone has an understanding for their legal and fiduciary obligations. Unfortunately, many do not realize that ignorance of the law is not a defense... 

The annual performance review date has come and gone as our board acted like deer in the headlights. We can’t really understand what to assess. And, to be honest, some board members who don’t really like or trust our executive only want to assess the behaviors and personality they dislike. What to do?...