How to Improve the Board Management of Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit boards should adopt strong governance and financial management policies, maintain an excellent relationship with the executive director to ensure that the organisation is running efficiently and remain focused on the purpose. But in the rush of day-today operations and the chaos of fundraising, it could be easy for boards of nonprofit organizations to lose sight of its mission and become bogged down in the tactical details.
A few elements can make a nonprofit board more efficient and effective, and it starts with an effective selection and nomination process. Those who select new members should be looking for candidates with the proper combination of skills and professional experience. They should then set expectations in advance and conduct a thorough interviewing process to narrow down the pool of candidates who are qualified.
To avoid groupthink and myopia it is essential that the panel of nominees seeks diversity in terms of race, gender and wealth. It must also be diverse in terms of the way of working, political ideology and profession. Involving people who are directly affected by the social problem that the organization is trying to address like a homeless person serving on the board of a shelter for the homeless, can improve the performance of a board.
Meetings are crucial for a nonprofit’s board to discuss and coordinate the organization’s strategy. But if you witness a board member checking their phone, texting their friends, or drawing during the meeting, it could be a source of frustration for those who are. Utilizing the right tools in place to facilitate meetings can encourage members, reduce stress, and boost performance.