Nonprofit boards are the protectors of an organization’s mission. They provide oversight, foresight and insight. Think of them as up in the crow’s perch, looking over the horizon for stormy clouds or rainbows that they can pursue (or even to anticipate). The majority of nonprofit board members serve as volunteers with no compensation.
The primary function of a nonprofit board is to establish and enforce policies that govern an organization. These may include governance and financial management ethical and legal guidelines and strategic planning. The board must oversee the executive director and ensure that the non-profit has the resources it needs to promote its cause.
The board of directors must represent an organization in front of its community, donors and other stakeholders. This may include advocating for its cause in the public or political arenas. The board this article should also assist the organization develop a sustainable business model over time.
To achieve these goals the board must possess a strong mix of skills and experiences. To locate them, many nonprofits seek out candidates with a variety of backgrounds and professions. These candidates are usually associated with the cause of the charity and have the ability to help drive the organization’s growth and change.
It is vital that board members of nonprofit organizations be aware of their primary responsibilities. This will allow them to avoid mistakes and miscommunications that could harm the reputation of the organization or lead to expensive lawsuits.