Board Management of Nonprofit Organizations

A non-profit’s management is often a position filled by volunteers who are passionate about the cause. The job isn’t always simple, but it can be rewarding. Board management is one of the most challenging aspects of the job. Board members can get distracted by the larger scope of their tasks and forget the nitty-gritty things that are needed to keep the nonprofit running smoothly. This can manifest itself in large ways, such as the decision to hire an Executive Director, or in more intimate ones, such as making a decision on the price for a special service.

There are a variety of resources available to help board members manage their obligations effectively. According to the Leading with Intent guide from 2015 the most important responsibilities for board members include financial oversight, fundraising advocacy, community-building, and financial oversight. It is vital that every member of the board is aware of these responsibilities and is able to carry them out these tasks effectively.

To enhance performance Boards can be organized into various committees. A committee for fundraising events, for example might be tasked with planning events and managing the donor database. Another committee could be charged with recruiting new members and orienting them as well as conducting evaluations of performance of the board. A third committee could focus on the internal processes and procedures of the board, like the creation of policies. A fourth committee could concentrate on governance.

Regardless of the structure, all boards must be look here properly staffed and equipped with tools that simplify board responsibility, and allow for open communication and transparency. For instance, board software can help streamline the logistics of meetings and make it easier for members to keep track of their responsibilities, allowing them to reduce time spent in board meetings by centralized agendas, email notifications and more.