Managing a nonprofit organization is often a position that is a volunteer for those who have a deep dedication to the cause. While the work can be rewarding, it’s not always easy. Board management is among the most difficult aspects of the job. Board members can get distracted by the bigger perspective of their work and neglect the small-scale details that are necessary to keep the nonprofit running smoothly. This can be manifested in large ways, such as the hiring of an Executive Director, or in small ones, like making a decision on the price for a service that is featured.
There are numerous resources that can help board members effectively manage their responsibility. According to the 2015 guide Leading with Intent, some of the most common board tasks include financial oversight, fundraising as well as community-building and advocacy. It is vital that each member of the board is able to effectively execute these responsibilities.
To enhance performance To improve performance, boards can be arranged into various committees. A committee for fundraising, for instance, might be responsible for planning events and coordinating the donor database. Another committee might be responsible for attracting new members as well as orienting new members and conducting evaluations of performance for the board in general. A third committee could be focused on the internal operations of the board and processes, such as the development of policies, and a fourth one could concentrate on governance.
Regardless of the board’s structure, they should be well-equipped and staffed with tools that ease board tasks, and allow open communication and transparency. For instance, board software can help streamline the logistics of meetings and help members to keep track of their responsibilities. It allows them to save time in board meetings with agendas that are centralized, email notifications, and much more.