14 Characteristics of Fantastic Nonprofit Boards
The number of nonprofits in North Carolina is growing by leaps and bounds. Some have effective boards and some boards are just names on the letterhead. Over the years, if there is one thing I’ve learned it’s that successful and impactful nonprofits have fantastic boards.
What makes a fantastic board? I’ve listed 14 qualities here:
- The board's focus is on the big picture, setting vision and strategic direction, ensuring adequate resources, and holding themselves and the chief executive accountability for results.
- Board member job descriptions are being utilized and include fundraising and making a meaningful personal gift annually.
- Board member term limits are set and honored.
- The board meets on an appropriate schedule that reflects the size and scope of its work. Much of the board's work is done in subcommittees meetings outside of full board meetings.
- All board meetings have a high percentage of attendance and participation.
- Succession planning is in place.
- The board evaluates the CEO or Executive Director annually.
- Led by its board, the organization has developed a strategic plan and is implementing and tracking the plan.
- Board members act as advocates and ambassadors increasing awareness of the organization’s mission and impact in the community.
- The board creates and votes on a budget annually and ensures a financial audit is conducted annually (for organizations with budgets of $1M or more).
- The nonprofit provides orientation opportunities and training on important governance and fundraising needs to board members at least once a year.
- Board members refer names of future board members to a Board Development Committee to be vetted before being invited to serve.
- The board and staff are evaluated annually.
- Organizational outcomes are being measured, shared in board meetings, and used to solicit and steward donors.
You can email me april@armstrongmcguire.com or call me at (919) 390-1925 with any questions or comments.
Most nonprofit leaders are asked to do more with less. Limited budgets, small teams, and growing community needs create constant pressure. AI won't solve every challenge, but it can help us reclaim valuable time by handling routine tasks.
.avif)
Across the philanthropic sector, foundations are rethinking how they engage with the communities they serve. Rather than operating at a distance through traditional grantmaking alone, many grant makers are exploring new ways to strengthen r
One of my all-time favorite movies is Office Space . We make it a tradition to watch it at least once a year. If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor—it's 90 minutes of cathartic laughter and the perfect way to decompress from...
I recently returned from a trip and had a long layover between flights on the way home.
I love movies. I mean I really love movies. If I could do it all over again, I would attend film school and work in the industry.
I Do (Value Relationships)
Planning Before The Next Harvest
Some of the Best Advice Came from the People I Was Supposed to Be Advising
.png)
Next Level: Ready or Not, Here We Grow
Staying Connected
Complete the form below to receive the latest updates, events, and insights.
Ready to Partner
