Board Tools

Our first session on Saturday’s Boot Camp will look at the General Duties of Board Members. There are the legal obligations:

1. Duty of Loyalty-avoid conflicts of interest and put aside personal and professional interests


2. Duty of Care-actively participate, ask questions


3. Duty of Obedience-stay true to the mission and obey both organizational and societal laws

We then review the Ten Basic Responsibilities outlined in the previous post from the Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards, Board Source book. Lastly we provide some practical tools that can help Boards put these responsibilities in practice.

• Board Profile-a chart that shows the Board members across the top with skills, interests, and background down the side. When the Board profile is completed you can see what talents you currently have on the Board and what you need to look for in new Board Members.


• Board Candidate Form-to collect information specific to your nonprofit to help you evaluate potential Board Members


• Board Orientation manual-to provide to new Board Members to help them learn about their role in your Organization


• Board Manual-for all Board Members-includes Board calendar, mission, vision, strategic plan, roles & responsibilities.


• Annual Affirmation/Board Expectation form-for Board Members to affirm their commitment to support the organization through their financial support, attendance at special events, and commitment to Board meetings.

Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards

As I mentioned in the previous post we are getting ready for Board Boot Camp on Saturday. Each participant will receive a copy of the Board Source book-Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards. In less than 100 easy to read pages, with practical examples and tips, this book discusses the following ten responsibilities:

1. Determine mission and purpose

2. Select the Chief Executive

3. Support and evaluate the Chief Executive

4. Ensure Effective Planning

5. Monitor and Strengthen Programs and Services

6. Ensure Adequate Financial Resources

7. Protect Assets and Provide Financial Oversight

8. Build a Competent Board

9. Ensure Legal & Ethical Integrity

10. Enhance the Organization’s Public Standing

At $19 for members and $29 for nonmembers on the Board Source website, it is an easy decision to make sure that all of your Board Members have this great reference book. And it is also available as a digital download.