A non-profit’s management is usually a job filled by volunteers who are passionate about the cause. It’s not always simple, but it can visit site be rewarding. One of the most challenging aspects of the job is managing boards. Board members are often distracted by the bigger view of their job and may forget the details necessary to run the nonprofit smoothly. This can be manifested in large ways, such as the decision to hire an Executive Director, or in smaller ones, like considering the cost for a featured service.
Fortunately, there are many resources available to assist board members in managing their duties effectively. According to the guideline for 2015 Leading with Intent, some of the most frequently-asked board duties include financial oversight, fundraising as well as advocacy and community building. It’s important that every board member is aware of these responsibilities and is able to carry them out them effectively.
To increase performance boards can be organized into different committees. A committee for fundraising for instance, could be accountable for planning events and managing the donor data base. Another committee could be responsible for recruiting new members in a manner that is orients new members and conducting evaluations of performance for the board in general. A third committee might focus on the board’s internal processes and processes such as the development of policies, and a fourth might focus on governance.
Whatever the structure of a board, it should be well staffed and equipped with the tools needed to make it easier for board members to perform their duties and promote open communication and transparency. For instance, software for boards can streamline meeting management and make it easier for members to keep track of their responsibilities. It allows them to save time in board meetings by centralized agendas, email notifications and much more.