A nonprofit board is the entity that supervises your organization’s fiduciary responsibilities and duties and guides it to sustainable growth. They ensure that your nonprofit is able to accomplish its goals and that it’s operated ethically and legally, through policies on governance and financial management. They also scrutinize and approve the executive director’s performance and compensation, as well as other important managerial issues.
Nonprofit boards are often made up of people who are connected to donors and other influential members of the community, as well as people who are passionate about your cause and its goals. You should also seek out people who are focused so that they understand how the big picture fits together and what each department has to accomplish.
Board members should have an intense commitment to the nonprofit and its missions and be ready to dedicate significant time go now and effort in order to fulfill their obligations. Additionally, they should be able to clearly communicate their value as a trustee and the impact of their decisions. They should not be susceptible to gossip or rumor and they shouldn’t try to win the favor of other trustees or staff members by playing favorites.
It is essential that new board members understand their primary responsibility. Many organizations utilize sessions of orientation to teach new trustees on their fiduciary and legal responsibilities, as well other governance practices. They could be guided by your executive director or fellow board members.