Let's start a conversation: How can boards be most effective? What lessons — good and bad — have you learned from your experiences?
I spoke with someone who has served on many boards. She told me about a frustrating experience that led her to resign before her term was up. It got me thinking about my own history. I have served on more than 20 boards. In most cases, I stay for as long as I can until I “term limit” off as they say. But I have also left boards early and for different reasons. Years ago – before we all did Zoom or Teams or Meet – I was on a national board. Most meetings were on the East Coast, and… Read more
I spoke with a person who has been both a board member and a staff member at many nonprofits. He shared a story that touches on board governance, fiduciary duties, and accountability. When Board Members Go Rogue: A Lesson in Governance and Accountability I served on the board of a large social services nonprofit with a long history and a very strong grassroots membership base. One of the organization’s greatest strengths was that its members really did have a voice in how it was run, including electing board members. That was intentional. It was part of the culture and embedded… Read more
The discussion highlights effective board recruitment strategies, emphasizing planning for skills gaps, recruiting in cohorts for diversity, accommodating members’ needs, and fostering training to combat biases and assumptions. Read more
I have been thinking about nonprofit staff. Times are stressful. The sector is under attack. Funding is shrinking. I know our staff are worn out. Sometimes they confide in me. Often the CEO will say something to the board. We see talented people leave because they are exhausted. We watch EDs quietly burn out while telling everyone else to practice self-care. And we board members nod and say how much we appreciate how hard the staff works. But I am not sure we really do much about it. I know we are not asking what this costs for our mission.… Read more
I have been reflecting on what happens when nonprofits suddenly lose funding, especially as the federal government cuts so many grants right now. Years ago, I served on the board of a nonprofit where this happened with a state grant. I served on the board of another organization where a major individual donor drastically cut their funding. And I have heard stories from other organizations that had state, federal, or foundation grants they had received for years, suddenly stopped. As I think about these various cases, I am struck by how much of the outcome is determined by decisions made… Read more
