What are the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards



National Association for Gifted Children

1331 H Street, NW

Suite 10001

Washington, DC 20005

Tel: (202) 785-4268

Fax: (202) 785-4248

Web site:

September 2014

What are the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards?

Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards

1. Determine the organization's mission and purpose. It is the board's responsibility to create and review a statement of mission and purpose that articulates the organization's goals, means, and primary constituents served.

2. Select and monitor the chief executive. Boards must reach consensus on the chief executive's responsibilities and undertake a careful search to find the most qualified individual for the position, and then evaluate performance on an annual basis.

3. Provide proper financial oversight. The board must assist in developing the annual budget and ensuring that proper financial controls are in place.

4. Ensure adequate resources. One of the board's foremost responsibilities is to provide adequate resources for the organization to fulfill its mission.

5. Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability. The board is ultimately responsible for ensuring adherence to legal standards and ethical norms.

6. Ensure effective organizational planning. Boards must actively participate in an overall planning process and assist in implementing and monitoring the plan's goals.

7. Recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance. All boards have a responsibility to articulate prerequisites for candidates, orient new members, and periodically and comprehensively evaluate its own performance.

8. Enhance the organization's public standing. The board should clearly articulate the organization's mission, accomplishments, and goals to the public and garner support from the community.

9. Determine, monitor, and strengthen the organization's programs and services. The board's responsibility is to determine which programs are consistent with the organization's mission and to monitor their effectiveness.

10. Support the chief executive and assess his or her performance. The board should ensure that the chief executive has the moral and professional support he or she needs to further the goals of the organization.

Specific responsibilities of NAGC Board membership

BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1.1 General The members of the Board are entrusted with the overall management of NAGC and shall govern the affairs of the association in accordance with any applicable law, the articles of incorporation, Regulations and official policies and procedures. The Board of Directors shall establish the strategic direction of the organization, set policy, and exercise general supervision over the property, budget, and affairs of the association.

6.1.2 Functions

• Review and vote on the Association Annual Budget.

• Appoint the Executive Director and participate in the Review Committee’s annual evaluation of the Executive Director.

• Represent the needs and interests of the general membership and those of the particular Board position that the successful candidate is filling.

• Represent the Association in a positive way to other professional organizations, business and industry, prospective members, and other publics.

• Receive recommendations from the President and vote on the Editor of Gifted Child Quarterly and the Association Editor.

• Review annually the work of the Networks and Organization Committees.

At-Large Member Duties

• Participate in the development and annual monitoring of NAGC’s strategic plan;

• Exercise fiduciary responsibility for the fiscal health of the organization;

• Attend three (3) NAGC Board meetings per year; one in early fall, one at the annual convention each November, and the other usually scheduled in conjunction with the affiliate conference in March. Expenses for Board meetings are eligible for some reimbursement upon presentation of original receipts;

• Serve on at least one Board Committee at the request of the President;

• Represent the best interests of the organization on all issues raised in Board meetings, based on careful analysis of agendas and supporting material;

• Know and uphold the regulations, policies, and procedures of the organization;

• Represent NAGC positions to individuals and groups with whom the Board member interacts (e.g. open doors to potential donors, make visits, or identify key alliance partners)

• Sign and adhere to conflict of interest policy of NAGC;

• Agree to refrain from simultaneous service on Organizational Committees for the duration of the term of office;

Board Responsibilities

• Make an annual cash contribution to NAGC during the term of office;

• Make up to two (2) presentations each year to relevant groups on behalf of the organization as part of the Expert Speakers Program (ESP)

• Recruit new members for the organization.

• Participate in Board decision making—either at or between meetings.

• Respond promptly to requests for input, feedback on minutes and documents, and electronic ballots.

For a more detailed review of Board Committees, Board Representative Positions, and other policies and procedures, please refer to the NAGC Policy Manual.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download