As the governing body of a nonprofit, the board of directors or board of trustees fulfills a variety of roles and responsibilities. Among its many duties, the board:
- Oversees the financial operations of the organization
- Maintains the legal and ethical standing of the organization and its staff
- Provides leadership and strategic direction for the organization
- Serves as guardian of the public trust
- Ensures that an organization remains accountable to its donors and to the general public
To learn more about nonprofit boards, we offer the following training:
Your Board and Fundraising: An Introductory Class for Small Nonprofits, which includes information on getting your board involved in the fundraising process. Available as a free webinar or in person class.
Before You Seek a Grant: A Checklist for New Nonprofits, which discusses how to develop a governing board for a new organization. Available as a free webinar, text-only tutorial, or in person class.
Building a Fundraising Board is a fee-based, full-day course developed in partnership with BoardSource that shows you how to work most effectively with your board to raise funds for your nonprofit.
Local organizations, like volunteer agencies and United Way chapters, also may offer programs that train people how to be effective nonprofit board members. Additionally, these programs will usually match trainees with nonprofits who are looking for board members.
See also our related FAQs:
- Where can I find information on a board’s legal duties?
- Where can I learn about how my board can help with fundraising?
- How can I find board members for my nonprofit?
Selected resources below may also be help.
Web Sites
* indicates staff pick
Books & Articles
Check title availability at our libraries and Cooperating Collections or your local libraries.
Do you still have questions? Ask us.
Do you have a comment? Did you find an error? Tell us.
