managing a nonprofit is usually a job that’s a volunteer opportunity for people with a deep dedication to the cause. While the work can be rewarding but it’s not always straightforward. One of the most challenging aspects of the job is management of boards. Board members are frequently distracted by the larger view of their job and can be unable to remember the details required to run the nonprofit smoothly. This can be manifested in large ways, such as decisions about hiring an Executive Director, or in more intimate ones, like making a decision on https://www.boardroomusa.org/nonprofit-board-governance-models the price for a service that is featured.
There are many resources that can help board members effectively manage their responsibility. According to the guideline for 2015 Leading with Intent, some of the most frequently-asked board responsibilities include fundraising, financial oversight, and community-building and advocacy. It is essential that each member of the board understands the responsibilities they have and is able to fulfill them effectively.
Boards can be organized into different committees to help them organize their tasks and improve overall performance. A committee for fundraising events, for instance, could be responsible for event planning and managing the donor database. Another committee could be charged with recruiting new members and orienting them, as well as conducting performance evaluations of the board. A third committee might focus on the internal operations and processes of the board, such as the creation of policies. A fourth committee could focus on governance.
Whatever the structure of the board, it must be well-staffed and equipped with tools to streamline the board’s responsibilities and promote open communication and transparency. For instance, board software can simplify meeting logistics and make it easier for members to stay on top of their responsibilities by allowing them to cut down on time during board meetings, with central agendas, email notifications and more.
