Nonprofit Governance 101: Building a Board That Actually Works

A well-functioning board is the backbone of effective nonprofit governance.

Key Principles

• Composition matters: Seek diverse perspectives, skills, and networks
• Clear expectations: Define roles, time commitments, and giving expectations upfront
• Active engagement: Create meaningful opportunities for contribution beyond meetings
• Regular assessment: Evaluate board effectiveness annually

Common Pitfalls

1. Treating board service as honorary rather than operational
2. Failing to onboard new directors properly
3. Avoiding difficult conversations about underperforming members
4. Not drawing on board members’ professional experience