Managing a non-profit organization is often a job that is filled by volunteers who are passionate about the cause. While the work can be rewarding however, it’s not always simple. Board management is one of the most difficult aspects of the job. Board members are often distracted by the bigger picture of their duties and may forget the nonprofit governance structure details necessary to run a nonprofit efficiently. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as the decision to hire an executive director, or in smaller ones, such as weighing in on pricing for features services.
There are numerous sources that can assist board members effectively manage their obligations. According to the Leading with Intent guide from 2015 among the most important duties of a board are financial oversight, fundraising advocacy, community-building, and financial oversight. It is vital that each member of the board is able to effectively execute these responsibilities.
To increase performance, boards can be organized into different committees. A committee for fundraising events, for instance, could be responsible for organizing events and managing the donor database. Another committee could be charged with recruiting new members and orienting them, and also conducting performance evaluations of the board. A third committee could focus on the board’s internal operations and processes such as policy development, while a fourth might focus on governance.
Whatever the structure of a board, it should be well staffed and equipped with the tools needed to streamline the board’s responsibilities and promote open communication and transparency. For instance, board software can help streamline the logistics of meetings and help members to keep track of their responsibilities. It allows them to reduce time spent in board meetings through agendas that are centralized, email notifications, and more.
