May 20, 2012

Key Responsibilities of Non-Profit Governing Boards

PLANNING & EVALUATION

  • Determine the organization’s mission and purposes. Review and revisit periodically.
  • Ensure a vision for the future – strategic plan.
  • Determine, monitor, and strengthen the organization’s programs.
  • Ensure effective organizational planning by both board and staff
  • Assure compliance with the mission and achievement of desired “ends” or outcomes.

HUMAN RESOURCES

  • Recruit, hire, and support executive
  • Annually assess his/her performance based on predetermined goals and expectations.
  • Speak to the executive “with one voice.”
  • Ensure that personnel policies, including a grievance procedure, are in place.
  • Make all staff responsible to the executive, and do not entertain issues brought to the board (or any members) around the executive.

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT

  • Ensure adequate financial resources. physical plant, and human resources to achieve the “ends” or outcomes prescribed by the board.
  • Contribute to organization (if appropriate)
  • Ensure that resources are managed effectively via monitoring systems that assure executive and organizational accountability.
  • Approve the annual budget
  • Understand and approve fiscal reports
  • Oversee management of investments
  • Develop appropriate policy controls
  • Set standards for all funds

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

  • Enhance the organization’s public image.
  • Represent organization to community and vise versa
  • Publish an annual report
  • Ensure legal and ethical behavior and maintain accountability.

BOARD AFFAIRS

  • Recruit and orient new board members
  • Assess board performance annually.

 


Sources: Various nonprofit publications
Courtesy of: Management Strategies, Ph. 716 483-6939, Email: Manst542@aol.com