Board Governance

Dashboard: A Tool for Agencies [download PDF]
UJA-Federation of New York

This booklet was developed for the beneficiary agencies in UJA-Federation of New York's network. We are pleased to provide this reference source to assist volunteer leaders and staff in creating dashboards, tools that concisely convey key performance indicators and enhances informed discussions on organizational issues.

Agency Board Governance Primer [download PDF]
UJA-Federation of New York

This primer was developed as an educational tool for the beneficiary agencies in UJA-Federation's network. We're pleased to provide this primer to its agencies for informational purposes concerning prudent corporate governance of New York not-for-profit organizations.

Your Guide to the Observership Program [download PDF]
UJA-Federation of New York

This handbook is intended as a resource for participants in UJA-Federation’s Observership Program. Observers are young professionals and emerging lay leaders placed on an agency board or internal UJA-Federation commission as a nonvoting member for one year, providing an opportunity for them to view and learn about issues confronting agencies and committees; the fundamental principles of the work and function of nonprofit boards; and the roles, responsibilities, and priorities involved in governance. UJA-Federation is pleased to provide this handbook to observers and others interested in board governance.

The Role of Board Members in Financing – Beyond Fundraising [download PDF]

This series of short blog articles on financing beyond fundraising explores the role of trustees in securing the financial future of their organization beyond the tradition of “give or get.”  The posts propose that this means that nonprofits have to break out of the narrow view that traditional FUNDRAISING (individual donor appeals, events, foundation grants) will completely fund all of their activities. Instead, nonprofits must work to create a broader approach to securing the overall FINANCING necessary to create social change.

The M Word: A Board Member’s Guide to Mergers: How, Why & Why Not to Merge Nonprofit Organizations [download PDF]
Alfredo Vergara, Jan Masaoka and Sabrina L. Smith

This paper is intended as a practical guide for trustees and executive staff in understanding the pros and cons that come with merging two independent nonprofit organizations. Questions addressed by this guide include; what are the benefits of merger, what are the pitfalls, what is involved, and how to determine if merger is the right choice?

Right from the Start: Responsibilities of Directors and Officers of Not-for-Profit Corporations [download PDF]
New York State Attorney General’s Office

This guide provides guidance to boards of directors concerning their fiduciary roles and responsibilities.

Taking Time for Board Engagement Strategies [download PDF]
Grant Makers in Health Bulletin

This April 2004 article briefly discusses options to bringing deeper engagement to boards of trustees. Tips cover how to handle nominations and orientation, prepare meeting materials, and provide educational opportunities to the board so
they are better informed.

Governance as a Key Strategic Asset [read article]
Anthony Knerr 

This 2004 article argues that strong and effective board governance is key to a successful nonprofit organization. Ten characteristics of strong governance are also presented.

Why Nonprofits Have a Board Problem [read article]
Manda Salls

This 2005 interview with Harvard University professor Richard Chait explores the topic of leadership and governance within nonprofit boards of directors.

Power & Parity: Women on the Boards of Major American Jewish Organizations [download PDF]
Dr. Bethamie Horowitz, Dr. Pearl Beck, and Dr. Charles Kadushin 

A 1998 report on the role of women at 48 leading American Jewish organizations in which lay leadership and professional roles are studied. An action plan to engage women in these organizations is provided.

The New Face of Nonprofit Accountability [download PDF]
Fiscal Management Associates

This 2004 briefing for funders, board members, and managers provides an overview of who’s watching — from watchdog groups to government agencies — and how organizations can assure compliance.

Effective Executive Directors Need Strong Board Support [download PDF]
Profitable Solutions for Nonprofits 

This 2004 article examines the many ways in which a strong and active board can help executive directors through the toughest of challenges. The issue also examines strategic planning and risk management for nonprofits.

Best Practices in Board Governance: Implementing Changes That Make a Difference [download PDF]
Martha Golensky, D.S.W.

This 1992 report examines the overall need to clarify trustee roles and responsibilities and better measure board effectiveness by studying nonprofit organizations in the Kent County, Michigan, area.

The Importance of a Prenuptial Agreement Between a Board President and the Executive Director, or Better Living Through Clear Expectations [download PDF]
Carol E. Weisman

This 2000 article explores ways in which board presidents and executive directors can work to build and maintain a successful partnership for leading a nonprofit. Agreeing to a set of standards at the beginning of the partnership is key.

Abolish Board Committees? [read article]
Board Café 

This short article from 2008 discusses the possible benefits of replacing standing committees with time-limited committees.

Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector [download PDF]
Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations

A code of standards for nonprofits intended to promote ethical practices and accountability in the nonprofit sector. Topics include missions and programs, governance, conflicts of interest, HR, finance and legal, openness, fundraising, and public affairs.

Be Pure Before God and Israel [download PDF]
Tzedakah, Inc.

This 2002 report provides a guide to Jewish professionals and lay leaders working in the Jewish philanthropy field in the United States; guidelines related to ethics, governance, and accountability are covered.

Succession: Preparing Future Leaders [read article]
David Hinsley Cheng

This 2006 article discusses the need for board-succession planning at nonprofits, lays out questions a board of directors should ask before starting to think about succession planning, and offers suggestions as to what should be incorporated into a strong succession plan.

Board Effectiveness [read article]
New York Nonprofits, Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York

This 2006 conversation hosted by the Nonprofit Coordinating Committee of New York explores the push for accountability, measurable outcomes, and more effective boards. Written for executive directors and CEOs, the article emphasizes the need for expertise and passion for mission on the board — not just hard skills. Other topics explored are the need for board allies, board evaluations, strong leadership, and clear job descriptions for board members.

Strengthening Transparency, Governance, Accountability of Charitable Organizations [download PDF]
Independent Sector

This 2005 report contains recommendations to Congress and the nonprofit sector regarding transparency, governance, and accountability. The recommendations seek to maintain the crucial balance between oversight and independence of the nonprofit sector.

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Other Materials

For copies of the following materials, contact 1.212.836.1883 or .

All Hands on Board
Jan Masaoka, BoardSource

This 1999 handbook is an essential guide for new trustees, trustees with years of experience, or professional staff who support board governance. A glossary, checklist, resources, and other useful tools are provided.

American Diabetes Association’s Experience with Board Restructuring
Duane A. Brown, BoardSource

This article examines the benefits and challenges an organization faces when it decides to downsize its board of trustees.

An Exception to the Rule
BoardSource

This case study examines the options available to a board of trustees when deciding how to handle a generous board member who has serious attendance and participation issues.

Are We There Yet? The Board’s Role in Evaluating Mission Achievement
Peter York, BoardSource

This article from BoardSource presents several short, concise ways boards can evaluate their agency’s effectiveness at meeting its mission; topics include program evaluation, board governance, mission alignment, and board self-evaluation.

The Board and the Budget: Monitoring Financial Reports
Trustee Tips: Library Trustee Development Program

This 1992 article clarifies the role of the board in oversight of an agency’s finances. A sample financial report is included with questions to ask the treasurer.

Board Glossary
BoardSource

This is a list of terms and phrases that board members will find helpful in understanding governance and management issues for nonprofits.

Board Management [read article]
Michael Davidson

Michael Davidson provides an overview of board governance including such basic responsibilities finance and budget, program effectiveness, strategic planning, and board recruitment. Action steps to improving board governance are also provided.

Building Relationships that Enable Next Generation Leaders
Ron Carucci

This 2006 article examines six relationship styles that will help the next generation of leaders fulfill their roles, looking at how leaders of the past approach leadership versus how next generation organizations will need to work.

Celebrated Board Suddenly Burns Out
BoardSource

This case study examines the options available to a board of trustees when faced with board burnout; new leadership, swap roles, new members, and other options are considered.

Coloring Outside the Box: One Size Does Not Fit All in Nonprofit Governance Workbook
Kim Sundet Vanderwall and Ellen Benavides

This workbook, published in 2008, allows those involved in board governance to consider 10 dimensions that shape a boards of trustees. Among the dimensions considered are the organizational and board culture, how the community served by the board is defined, and what role the board sees for itself. The workbook contains an assessment and a guide to having a conversation with your board.

The Effective Board of Trustees
Richard P. Chait, Thomas P. Holland, and Barbara E. Taylor

This 1993 text examines the characteristics of effective boards, key differences between effective and ineffective boards, the relationship between the effectiveness of a board, and the effectiveness of the organization overall. Findings are based on interviews with lay and professional leaders at 22 liberal arts colleges.

Facing the Financial Crisis: 10 Smart Things Your Board Can Do Now
Barry D Gaberman

This short article from BoardSource provides a list of 10 action items for board members that can help their organization survive the current economic crisis and plan for what happens next.

Good to Great and the Social Sectors
Jim Collins

This 2005 piece argues that leaders in the nonprofit world shouldn't mimic the for-profit model in addressing key problems. Among other points is that money is an input in both the nonprofit and for-profit model, but only measures success in the for-profit world.

How to Help Your Board Govern More and Manage Less
Richard P. Chait

This 1994 resource addresses how to shift the focus of the board from managing to govern — that is, how to encourage boards to set strategic direction without getting caught up in the operational details.

Replacing Pain with Gain in Jewish Organizations: How to Strengthen/Build A High Performance Board for Your Jewish Organization
Mark W. Zalkin, M.Ed., M.S.W.

This short white paper lays out 11 important culture elements needed for developing an effective board.

The Source: Twelve Principles of Governance That Power Exceptional Boards

This collection of principles from BoardSource provides lay and professional leadership at any nonprofit with a way forward to better board governance, planning, and integrity.

Think Succession
Skip Vichness

This article in Board Member provides a reflection on one approach to board leadership succession planning. The author details the multiyear process in which he transitioned from committed board member to board vice chair to board chair.

To Go Forward, Retreat
Sandra R. Hughes

This e-book from BoardSource examines the benefits of board retreats, especially in regard to strategic-planning initiatives. Tips and suggestions on planning a successful board retreat are included.

Transforming Board Structure: Strategies for Committees and Task Forces
BoardSource

This 2001 resource discuses best practices in setting up committees and task forces that allow boards of directors to accomplish the necessary work for the success of the nonprofit. Structure, management, and common work practices are examined.

What Should I Know Before Joining a Nonprofit Board?
BoardSource

This short Q&A tip sheet provides prospective board members with a list of questions that they should have the answers to before agreeing to become a trustee at any nonprofit.

When a Business Leader Joins a Nonprofit Board
William G Bowen

This Harvard Business Review article from September/October 1994 provides advice to business leaders new to the world of a nonprofit board of trustees, and to the nonprofit professionals who are helping them to apply their experience and skills to their new environment.