Board governance essentials
Our foundational governance training covers essential aspects of board responsibilities and the most common board challenges faced by nonprofit organizations. Topics covered include:
- Board Imperatives: Addresses the philosophical, ethical and legal issues important to an organization, and expands on the foundations of organizational effectiveness including mission and vision.
- Board and Staff Relationships: Explores the role dynamics between the Executive Director/CEO, Board Members and Staff, including role definitions, responsibilities, expectations, decision-making, policies, and strategies for navigating challenging situations.
- Impact and Accountability: Examines the Board’s role in providing ongoing oversight, monitoring and accountability to ensure the organization is fulfilling its purpose and generating the intended impact and results, providing an understanding of charity watchdog standards, performance metrics, social capital and collective impact.
Up to two additional topics can be incorporated into a full-day (6+ hour) training to address the organization’s emerging needs. Topics include:
- Resource Development: Develop an entrepreneurial perspective of fundraising, with a focus on diversifying the resource base. Learn about the Board’s role in fund raising and leadership.
- Community Liaison: Explains the role of the board in serving as the organization’s champion in the community, and how board members can be the most effective advocates of the organization with other constituents.
- Board Self-Assessment: Conduct a board self-assessment and review results, identifying 2-3 priority areas for further growth and development.
- Decision-Making Models: Identify effective strategies for board decision-making that is timely, relevant and inclusive.
- Succession Planning: Explore best practices for developing the board for the future, through intentional planning, recruitment, and cultivation of prospective board members, and planning for officer succession.
- Customized Topic: Identify an emerging topic that is relevant to the organization’s current situation. Some examples are:
- Advocacy-Lobbying
- Board Organization and Operations
- Financial Management
- Strategic Planning
- The Ever-Changing Scene