The Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards

Spring comes to Warwick

Do your board members understand the critical role they play in your nonprofit organization? We have found that in the board recruitment process a reality check is sometimes needed on performance expectations. Here are a few we think are a place to begin the discussion. You may have others. The important thing is to communicate the responsibilities that will strengthen a potential member's service. Too often a new board member becomes discouraged or even resigns. Keep this in mind as you recruit. Happy board members make for a strong sense of purpose and involvement.

1.  Determine the organization's mission and purpose. It is the board's responsibility to create and review a statement of mission and purpose that articulates the organization's goals, means, and primary constituents served.

2.   Select the executive director. Boards must reach consensus on the executive director's responsibilities and undertake a careful search to find the most qualified individual for the position.

3.   Provide proper financial oversight. The board must assist in developing the annual budget and ensuring that proper financial controls are in place.

4.   Ensure adequate resources. The board must provide the resources necessary for the organization to sustain itself to fulfill its mission. 

5.   Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability. The board is ultimately responsible for ensuring adherence to legal standards and ethical norms. Know what they are!

6.   Ensure effective organizational planning. Boards must actively participate in the overall planning process, and they must help implement and monitor the plan's goals.

7.   Recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance. All boards must articulate prerequisites for candidates, orient new members, and periodically and comprehensively evaluate its own performance. We can't say this often enough.

8.   Enhance the organization's public standing. The board should clearly articulate the organization's mission, accomplishments, and goals to the public and garner community support.

For more information on board development and support for your nonprofit organization, please call us at (302) 530-6806 or visit us at www.macintyreassociates.com. We look forward to working with you.