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 publi

In order to carry out these duties effectively, the board will often need to expand as an organization grows and matures. While recruitment is one important step in this process, a broad, systematic approach to board development, including orientation, training, evaluation, and the cultivation of prospective board members, is critical to ensuring the long-term success of any board.

To learn more about developing nonprofit boards, the Foundation Center offers the following: