Board governance
Capacity Building Services

Board Governance Training

Training current and future board members to make a difference


Effective, motivated boards are critical to a nonprofit organization’s ability to develop its capacity and achieve its mission. This board governance training consists of a series of topics that break down the best practices and responsibilities of an effective governing body. It's available in-person, virtually or hybrid, depending on your organization and needs.

UAII board retreat training session

About our nonprofit board governance training

The ASU Lodestar Center’s board governance program is an effective tool in augmenting the knowledge of those who are experienced board members, as well as those who are new to board service. Every attendee or board member receives a training manual with resources, descriptions, examples, and exercises which help to build the capacity of the organization even after the board training is completed.

Each training can be geared to a specific audience, including: boards of directors, chief executive officers, board volunteers, corporations, small businesses, civil organizations, and any other group that would like to have their employees/members trained to be effective community leaders through service as board members.

The full-day board governance training covers all topics and typically requires 6 hours of contact time. The material can be abbreviated for a shorter time-frame or built-out for custom workshops, or each respective module can be addressed in greater specificity in a seminar fashion. 

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

Cost

Estimated $5,500 to $7,500 for a 6-hour training session for up to 25 participants. Prices vary based on length and content of training, number of participants, and other factors. Prices are subject to change without notification.

Custom facilitated workshops

Go beyond the essentials with a customized in-depth training or facilitated work session, facilitated by an ASU governance specialist. Topics include:

  • Strategic Planning Retreat
  • Board/Leadership Team Building
  • Mission/Vision/Values Refresh
  • Fundraising Training
     

Get started

Please complete our inquiry form to start a conversation. We look forward to learning about your organization and how we can assist.
 

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