Every nonprofit needs money. Unfortunately, this is where many organizations want to start – with fundraising. Jumping right into raising money is like building a house without a foundation. It might work for a while, but it’s not going to last. This course will help you create a solid foundation for fundraising and other income development success, maximum mission impact, and long-term sustainability. Participants will come away with knowledge for building their board, basic best practices for fundraising, and a strong understanding of the grant application process.
The Anatomy of an Extraordinary Board
I wanted to share this quick and easy little checklist I created that can help you determine if your Board of Directors is thriving, or if you have an opportunity on your hands. Look it over and let me know what you think.
Seven areas that I recommend nonprofit leaders consider when in comes to expectations for their volunteers.
My clients often come to me frustrated because their governance volunteers are not doing what they want them to. Very often, after a few questions, it becomes clear that the reason may very well be that clear expectations have never been set. What the organization needs from its Board of Directors has not been outlined. Without guidance volunteers either go off on their own course, or do little to nothing.
How Diverse is Your Board?
This tool is designed to help you and your board think about the different dimensions that make up a person. It has been adapted from one that we used at the YMCA to explore diversity. Some of these factors and characteristics may matter to you and your organization. Some may not. You do not have to make a decision about every aspect listed on this worksheet. Rather, pick and choose the ones that are important to your work and your organization.
This worksheet is intended to get your mind thinking broadly about the skills, experiences, and resources you want to recruit to your board. Additionally, it’s helpful to think about the mix of characteristics that you want. For example, maybe you want representation and voices from all age groups contributing on your board. Or does it make sense to have a combination of people from different ethnic backgrounds contributing to your governance? Remember that board needs are unique to each organization, and those needs will likely evolve and change over time.
Because they usually aren't knocking down your door.
Every nonprofit leader out there wants the silver bullet on where to find good board members. The good news is that they are out there, and you can find them. The not-so-good-news is that it takes time and effort. This resource shares a three-pronged approach to sourcing prospective governance volunteers.
Making sure their qualifications go beyond having a pulse.
As organizational leaders, whether that’s paid staff or governance volunteers, recruiting new board members can be challenging and frustrating. When we get a promising prospects, we’re sometimes so excited that we skip the very important step of vetting them.
This tool will help you determine if the prospect truly meets your needs, fits with your culture, and will help you advance your mission.
10 Signs You're Leading a Toxic Organization
As a Board Volunteer, you have many responsibilities to the agency you are leading. One factor frequently overlooked is your role in culture and organizational effectiveness. This is often left to the Executive or CEO. When the leader creates a positive, functional environment, there usually isn’t a need for the Board to give it any attention. Problems arise when the Exec or CEO has not created a positive culture and dysfunction begins to take over.
As a volunteer, it can be difficult to know when things are “off.” That’s why it’s important to understand what to look for. This guide will help you determine if you have reasons to be concerned. Share with other volunteers to see if you need to take action.
Your board meetings are your most powerful tool for communicating with your governance volunteers. Thoughtful planning and design ensure their time is used efficiently and effectively.
Thoughtfully planning a well designed board meeting is key to effectively using your volunteer’s time. Yet, so many nonprofit leaders simply look at what they talked about last meeting and see if there is anything to add to it. No thought, just checking it off the list.
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