Nonprofits and Their Board : A Team Effort!
Espace idées • June 19th, 2018
For the good of the nonprofit organization, employees and board members must work hand-in-hand to achieve the financial and operational goals they set out for themselves. Not to mention for the sake of its service users and volunteers as well! But the organization needs to be very clear in terms of its expectations and requirements and board members have the responsibility to determine what they can bring to the cause and to set out realistic limits as to their involvement.
How many members should sit on a Board of Directors?
Ideally, the number of members is based on the expertise needs of the organization. It’s good to recruit various professionals from different fields (accounting, communications, finance, law, etc.) to form a competent team whose members complement each other.
Each nonprofit, small or large, must determine the number of members according to their own needs.
What should an organization expect from its board members?
- Presence
The organization should expect members to attend at least 75% of board meetings. Their presence is extremely important to allow the organization to follow quorum protocol and thus be able to discuss the items listed on the agenda. For directors, their participation in meetings greatly facilitates the integration of all information concerning the nonprofit. They take part in decisions and feel that their involvement makes a difference.
- Participation in another committee
The organization should also expect each director to be involved in at least one board committee. For example, the planned giving committee, the investment committee, the governance committee, the fundraising committee, etc. The choice and assignment can be made according to the board members strengths.
- Personal financial commitment
Board members should not be soliciting others if they haven’t made a personal financial contribution first. How can we expect others to give if we haven’t given ourselves? Directors are encouraged to lead by example by donating on an annual basis. We shouldn’t expect each of them to give at the same level and that's perfectly normal. It’s not so much the amount that’s important, but the gesture itself.
- Involvement in fundraising activities
Directors should participate in the organizations’ various fundraising activities to show their support and involvement. They can also get involved in the organization of these activities (organizing committee) if they have the time to do so.
- Creating awareness
Board members are spokespeople for the organization. Their mission is to talk about the cause and to promote it to those around them.
- Using their network
Board members should commit to using their network of contacts to solicit all kinds of partnerships with the organization.
- Participation in strategic development
They contribute to the organization's strategic planning by offering ideas and giving advice in their area of expertise!
- Beware of conflicts of interest!
Members must constantly act for the good of the organization and not try to gain personal or professional benefits.
- Be familiar with the budget and policies
The board member must read all documents submitted by the organization and be familiar with the budget and policies. That’s how members can promote the nonprofit and determine its needs.
- Withdraw when it's no longer appropriate to sit on the Board
Members should set their limits at the beginning of their involvement. They can then determine for themselves when the time has come to withdraw from the board.
For its part, the organization must be committed to:
- Providing all necessary information about the organization;
- Proposing an annual meeting between each board member, the President and the Executive Director to follow up on engagement with the organization;
- Providing up-to-date information about the philanthropic sector and providing training opportunities as needed;
- Demonstrating recognition in different forms;
- Obtaining liability insurance for its board of directors.
An example of a contract between a board member and the nonprofit organization is available in our member section. 😉
