Managing a nonprofit organization is often a volunteer position for those who have a profound love for the cause. It’s not always easy, but it can be rewarding. One of the most challenging aspects of the job is board management. Board members can be easily distracted by the larger perspective of their work and lose track of the small things that are needed to keep the nonprofit running smoothly. This can be manifested in large ways, such as the decision to hire an Executive Director, or in the smallest ones, like making a decision on the price for a special service.
There are a lot of resources that can assist board members in managing their duties effectively. According to the 2015 guide Leading with Intent, some of the most common board duties include financial oversight, fundraising and advocacy for community-building. It is essential that each board member is aware of these responsibilities and can carry out them well.
To increase performance To improve performance, boards can be arranged into different committees. A committee for fundraising events, for example is able to be in charge of event planning and management of the donor database. Another committee could be in charge of recruiting new members, orienting new members, and conducting evaluations of performance for the board as a whole. A third committee might focus on the board’s internal processes and processes like the development of policies, while the fourth could focus on governance.
Regardless of the structure, all boards should be properly staffed and equipped with tools to simplify board responsibility, and allow for open communication and transparency. Board software, for instance can help streamline the logistics of meetings and make it easier to stay on top your responsibilities.