Nonprofit Board Development
Jazzmine Nolan-Echols DBA, MPA
Chief Operating Officer | Principal Consultant
Introduction
Marie Management is your business consulting firm that specializes in hybrid models nationally and internationally. Our system requires our consultants to address the structure, development, operations and execution of each business function and or department. With this method, we ensure that all businesses have the proper systems and strategies in place to maximize impact and revenue.
Description
This is where it's time to get candid. Most of the boards I've seen and or been apart of have governance issues because membership is based on everything but service. It is not a surprise that nonprofit boards or directors are expected, required and come with a standard to fundraise. However, I have yet to see more than a dozen nonprofit boards have board agreements that state that requirement.
Executive Directors will tell me, "Jazz the board is lazy. They just won't help. They don't even attend meetings." Then I roll off a list of questions that no one can answer and primarily because the board was not designed, structured or cultivated to fundraise and the shift in culture has not occurred yet.
Structure
When designing a board of directors or preparing for a culture shift, be sure to develop the following in the structuring phase:
1) Recruitment Assessment and Evaluation Process
2) Orientation
3) Governance or Nominations Committee
4) Board Member Agreement
5) Board Policies and Procedures (in addition to the Bi-Laws)
6) Board Member Reviews
Development
Once you have updated or properly structured the standards and expectations for the board of directors, now its time to develop the members. Executive Directors and even Presidents or Board Chairs almost always assume that people asked to serve on a board, understands the requirements. Create your materials outlined in the structure section. Create a training and development plan, as well as timeline. Invest in your board and your board will invest in you.
PLEASE be aware of what kind of board you have (further explained in the ebook below). There is a such thing as working your board daily, as if they are staff. Be mindful of this as there are severe laws that prohibit this activity.
Operations
When developing or transitioning a board, you want to ensure that there is ongoing training. You want to make sure that the goals of the board align with the strategic plan of the organization and that they are met congruently. Consistent evaluation of board participation, contributions and feedback is necessary for on-going operations of the organization.
Execution
Once you have structured your board materials, developed your board culture and organized how your board will operate, you are ready to execute in full blown BOARD FUNDRAISING MODE!
For more help on how to execute this process on behalf of your organization, download our free ebook here.
Conclusion
Marie Management is a consulting firm designed to build the following business models:
- Hybrid Model Nonprofit: Adding a nonprofit to an existing for-profit business.
- Hybrid Model For-Profit: Adding a for-profit to an existing nonprofit business.
- Hybrid Model Brand: Building an entrepreneurs personal brand, for-profit and nonprofit collectively.
We specialize in hybrid models and love ensuring that entrepreneurs utilize excess profits for the purposes close to their hearts. Our entrepreneurs benefit greatly from having a firm that not only consults in both sectors, but manages in them as well.
For immediate assistance in structuring, developing, operating and or executing your nonprofit organization, schedule your consultation here.
To learn and implement these practices and much more at your own pace, attend our course here.
For regular updates on everything nonprofit organizations, follow us on facebook, twitter and instagram platforms @mariemanagement.
Thank you for choosing to build your nonprofit correctly the 1st time. See you in service!
Jazzmine Nolan MPA
Marie Management
Creating and Expanding Magical Nonprofits for Extraordinary Purposes.