managing a non-profit organisation is often a job that is filled by volunteers who are enthusiastic about the cause. While the work can be rewarding but it’s not always straightforward. Board management is one of the most difficult aspects of the job. Board members are frequently distracted by the larger view of their job and may forget the essential details needed to run a nonprofit efficiently. This can manifest in large ways, like the decision to hire an Executive Director, or in more intimate ones, like weighing in on the pricing for a service that is featured.
There are a variety of resources available to help board members manage their responsibility effectively. According to the guideline for 2015 Leading with Intent, some of the most frequently-asked board tasks include financial oversight, fundraising and advocacy for community-building. It is essential that each member of the board can effectively execute these responsibilities.
To boost performance To improve performance, boards can be arranged into different committees. A committee for fundraising for instance, could be accountable for arranging events and managing the donor data base. Another committee could be responsible for recruiting new members and orienting them, as well as conducting evaluations of the performance of the board. A third committee could be focused on the board’s internal operations and processes, including the development of policies, while the fourth could focus on governance.
No matter the board’s structure, they should be equipped with tools that ease board duties, and permit open communication and transparency. For instance, board software can help streamline boardroomusa.org/nonprofit-board-governance-models/ the logistics of meetings and make it easier for members to keep track of their responsibilities, allowing them to cut down on time during board meetings by central agendas, email notification, and more.