Description
Book SynopsisThis handbook serves as a comprehensive reference and answers questions of all types about board governance, using the expertise from nonprofit leaders nationwide, as well as information from the BoardSource Governance Index Survey, findings from governing board self-assessments, and questions and challenges heard by BoardSource daily.
Table of ContentsAbout BoardSource v
Acknowledgments xi
Introduction xv
Part One: Governance Principles, Roles, and Structure 1
1 In the Spirit of Service: Introduction to the Nonprofit World 3
2 What Is Governance? 15
3 Governance Roles 31
4 Governance Structure 55
5 The Board–Chief Executive Relationship 81
Part Two: Governance Practices 97
6 Building a Board 99
7 Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 127
8 Financial Oversight 145
9 Fundraising 167
10 Strategic Thinking and Strategic Planning 189
11 Communications and Outreach 211
12 Succession Planning and Chief Executive Transition 233
13 Evaluation 255
14 Bylaws and Policies 275
15 Board Meetings 295
16 Board Dynamics 317
Appendix: Sample Policies for Nonprofit Boards 331
Board Member Fundraising 332
Human Resources 333
Code of Ethics 335
Conflict of Interest 337
Confidentiality 341
Whistle-Blower Protection 342
Record Retention and Document Destruction 344
Executive Compensation 348
Investments 350
Financial Audits 356
Risk Management 357
Media Relations 358
Glossary 359
Resources 367
Index 375
