Adapted from WELCOME TO THE BOARD by Fisher Howe (New York, 1992)
Below are seven specific responsibilities of trusteeship for the organization. The Board of Directors is the governing body for the organization. Board members set policy; the chief executive of the organization is responsible for implementing that policy.
- Mission. To help keep the organization on mission. The two most important questions that each trustee should continually be asking are “What is our mission?” and “Does this action serve the _________ (beneficiaries of organization)?”
- Chief Executive. To approve the selection, provide oversight and support for the chief executive.
- Meeting Attendance. To take attendance seriously. No one can make all board meetings but the expectation is to make most of them and let the Executive Director know when absence is required.
- Program Oversight and Support. To provide oversight for ___________ activities and support the staff in successfully carrying them out. In addition to attending board meetings, this generally entails serving on a board committee that oversees a certain aspect of operations.
- Finance. To ensure that financial responsibility, accountability and stewardship are hallmarks of operations. To participate in fundraising. This may include identifying prospects and “opening doors” to possible donors (help set up tours and obtain appointments).
- Advocates in the Community. To advocate for and serve as ambassadors for ___________ organization in the community and among peers.
- Provide Financial Support. To support __________ financially in proportion to ones’ capacity to give.
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