Board Development

The Board of Directors sets the tone and direction of an organization.  Effective board leadership and governance helps ensure that a nonprofit can operate to its fullest capacity. Creating an effective board is a continual process that includes recruitment, engagement and development. 

We have included a host of useful board development resources to explore below.

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Sample Policies

• Conflict of Interest Policy Samples - by Montana Nonprofit Association; by CompassPoint; and by IRS
• Employee Protection Policy - sample whistleblower policy by Nonprofit Risk Management Center
• Whistleblower Policy - sample by Authenticity Consulting
• Record Retention and Destruction Policy - template by Donors Forum
• The Nonprofit Policy Sampler - book with CD by Barbara Lawrence & and Outi Flynn, BoardSource ($)
• Charities Review Council - sample documents and policies

Board Assessment

• The Principles Workbook: Steering Your Board Toward Good Governance and Ethical Practice - includes 33 principles, discussion points and worksheets for evaluation, planning and action by Independent Sector and BoardSource ($)
• Board of Directors' Assessment - tool for reviewing board performance and structure, and for assisting in setting priorities, by Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Adelphi University School of Social Work
• Board Self-Evaluation Questionnaire, tool for reviewing, whole board, board's relationship with Executive Director, individual performance and provide feedback to the Board Chair by Dalhousie University College of Continuing Education
• Self-Assessment for Nonprofit Boards - compilation of resources by the National Council of Nonprofits

Board Recruitment & Nomination

• Board Member Job Description - sample by Bridgestar
• Code of Conduct Statement for Board Members - information by Volunteer Power
• Creating a Teen Board/Ambassador Program - includes timeline, tools and procedures by CNPE
• The ABCs of Building Better Boards - book by Jean Block ($)
• A Guide to the Nominating Process and More - ebook by Jan Hosea ($)
• ​Board Orientation Packets: Following The Goldilocks Rule - article by BoardEffect on what to include in orientation packets

Strategic Planning

• Strategic Planning for Nonprofits- tools and resources collected by the National Council of Nonprofits
• Framework for a Basic Strategic Plan Document for a Nonprofit - framework with guidance by Carter McNamara on Free Management Library
• Five Essentials of Strategic Planning - article by Paul B. Redman in Stanford Social Innovation Review (Oct 2013)
• Strategic Planning Templates- a variety of strategic planning templates from Smartsheet 

Board Advocacy

• The Power of Board Advocacy: A Discussion Guide for Boards - information and step-by-step guide by Stand for Your Mission

Executive Director Evaluation

• Annual Evaluation of the Executive Director – article and assessment tool by CompassPoint
• Evaluating Your Executive Director – a Guide for Boards of Nonprofit Community Development Organizations by The Enterprise Foundation
• Executive Director Evaluation Survey Form – process outline and templates by Blue Avocado
• Performance Appraisal Process for the CEO by Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE
• Exit Agreements for Nonprofit CEOs: A Guide for Boards and Executives article by Nonprofit Quarterly

Board/Staff Relationship

• 10 Ways to Improve the Board, Staff Relationship in a Small Nonprofit - blog post by Amy Wong, Dot Org Solutions
• Should Staff Contact with the Board Be Restricted? - article by Blue Avocado
• The Invisible Yellow Line, Clarifying Nonprofit Board and Staff Roles – book by Jean Block ($)

Board's Role in Fundraising

• Tips for Engaging Board Members in Fundraising, ideas gathered by the Center for Nonprofit Excellence
• 15 Ways to Transform Your Board of Directors into Fundraising Champions by Marc Koenig, Nonprofit Hub based on a Chronicle of Philanthropy live chat in 2013
• The Fired-Up Board: Preparing Your Board Members for Fundraising article by Gail Perry
• 10 Fundraising Responsibilities of Every Board Member, blog by Gail Perry, November 21, 2013
• Is My Board of Directors Fundraising Enough? How to Engage Your Board infographic by Nonprofit Hub

Directors' & Officers' Liability Insurance

• Definition by Wikipedia
• Directors and Officers Liability Insurance: Why It's Worth the Cost article by Pamela E. David, Nonprofit Quarterly, July 13, 2015

Bylaws

• Bylaws Checklist - guiding principles and checklist by Blue Avocado

Meetings

• Running Effective Meetings - article and agenda template by Ruth Hill, Mind Tools
• Running Effective Meetings - outline by Holden Leadership Center

Websites

• Board Roles & Responsibilities, Active Participation - mini webinar by CNPE
• Board Fiscal Responsibilities - webinar and links by CNPE
• Blue Avocado - provocative and fun food-for-thought for nonprofits
• Board Source - building exceptional boards and inspiring board service
• Nonprofitlaw.com - legal resources, sample contracts
• Center for Nonprofit Leadership - tools for Executive Directors and Boards of Directors