Articles
Plain-language guidance on governance, compliance, and building a board that actually governs.
The Board's Role When a Longtime Employee's Position Is Eliminated
Cutting a beloved staff role is one of the hardest calls a nonprofit makes. Here is how the board governs the decision without stepping on management or the mission.
When a Board Member Uses Their Personal Network to Solicit Gifts
Personal connections drive nonprofit fundraising, but they also raise questions about donor stewardship, conflicts, and who owns a relationship. Here is how boards keep this powerful practice clean.
The Board's Role When Volunteers Outnumber Paid Staff
When most of your workforce is unpaid, governance gets complicated. Here is how boards should oversee risk, structure, and accountability in a volunteer-driven nonprofit.
Governing for Equity: DEI as a Board Responsibility
A statement on your website isn't equity. Real equity shows up in who holds power around your table and whose interests win when the votes are counted.
When a Board Member Wants to Bid on Your Contract: Handling Insider Transactions
Sometimes the best vendor is sitting at your board table. Here is how to let a board member do business with your nonprofit without violating the law or the public's trust.
The Board's Role When a Staff Member Reports Financial Wrongdoing by a Leader
When a report of financial misconduct points to your executive director or another leader, the board becomes the safeguard. Here is how to respond without freezing or overreacting.
The Board's Role When a Building Needs a Major Repair You Didn't Budget For
A failing roof or HVAC system can blow a hole in your budget overnight. Here is how a board should govern the unplanned capital expense without panic or paralysis.
When the Founder Retires: Governing the Handoff Without Losing the Mission
A beloved founder's retirement is one of the riskiest moments in a nonprofit's life. Here is how boards plan the transition, protect the relationships, and set up the next leader to succeed.