The role of boards of nonprofits is essential to the governance of nonprofits. They are responsible for strategic planning and oversight accountability, financial stewardship and accountability. The Board is accountable for ensuring that the organization is transparent with donors and community members. This is not a simple job. The Board is faced with many challenges, that require a substantial commitment of time twoboardroom.com and resource from the board. It’s essential to have appropriate people on your Board.
A good board is made up of individuals with a variety of backgrounds, expertise and perspectives that align with the goals of the organization. This provides the Board with a broad base of knowledge and experience that allows it to make informed decisions and guide the organization in the proper direction. The Board must assess its own performance, effectiveness and ensure that it is constantly trained.
The Board should also be focused and be able to see the bigger picture. This includes assessing to which the financial activities are in line with the budget as well as determining the costs of services and programs, and if they are appropriate costs and implementing internal controls to prevent theft or loss, as well as confusion.
The Board should also be prepared to serve as ambassadors and advocates for the organization. They must assist the Executive Director in establishing and managing the public brand of the organization. They should be accessible to the media and public and willing to speak on behalf of the organization whenever required.