A nonprofit board is the entity that supervises your organization’s obligations and fiduciary obligations and guides it towards an enduring future. They ensure that your nonprofit has the proper funding to fulfill its mission and that it is managed ethically and legally, through policies on governance and financial management. They also scrutinize and approve the performance of the executive director and compensation, as well as other critical managerial issues.
Nonprofit boards are often comprised of those who have connections to donors and other influential members of the community, as well as those who have a passion for your cause and its goals. It is also important to find people who are detail-oriented, to ensure they comprehend the big picture and how the pieces of the puzzle fit together and also what needs to be done in each department and how it affects the overall objective.
Board members should show a strong commitment towards the organization and its mission and be able to dedicate significant time and effort in order to fulfill their obligations. They must also be able to communicate their importance as trustees and the ramifications of the decisions they make. They shouldn’t be prone to gossip or rumor and they shouldn’t attempt to win the favor of other trustees or staff by playing the game of favorites.
It is vital that your incoming board members fully understand their primary responsibilities. many organizations use orientation sessions to educate the new trustees on their fiduciary and legal obligations, as well as other governance practices. They could be guided by your executive director or board members.