Four Considerations for Managing Your Non-Profit Board
The non-profit attorneys from Simms Showers discuss the management of a non-profit or a church and its board.
Serving as the chairman of a non-profit or church organization can be a truly rewarding experience; however, every leadership position comes with its own fair share of difficulties. One of the most labor-intensive responsibilities is managing a board of directors. Board members often come from various social and professional backgrounds and will have differing degrees of familiarity with the organization, its employees, and its mission.
In order to manage your board properly, it is crucial that the following factors are understood in relation to the non-profit or church’s mission:
- Legal and fiduciary compliance and best practices
- The organization’s services
- The non-profit or church’s resources that will be used to fulfill its mission
- Strategic planning, policies, and rules
There are four areas of which all key employees of the non-profit or church should be aware:
- Document strategic work plans. The only way for a board to monitor progress is through the comparison of previous information. Strategic work plans can be developed through the collaboration of the board and staff members.
- Write responsibilities and roles. Create a document that clearly delineates the roles and responsibilities of the board. This will define boundaries so that board members understand their respective roles, thereby heading off future questions or conflicts.
- Incorporate a facilitator. When a complex issue is encountered and an impasse is reached, hire outside counsel to help facilitate productive discussions. Outside counsel can bring an unbiased viewpoint to proceedings. This can be an extremely effective way for non-profits or churches to manage important business decisions and identify risks.
- Provide material in advance of meetings. Prepare for important board meeting by communicating with board members beforehand. Provide agendas, board books, and specific information regarding the organization or church so that each member can review and be ready for the next meeting.
As the head of the board, following these practices, in addition to others, will help your non-profit or church efficiently manage its affairs. For more information and guidance regarding the management of your specific non-profit or church, please contact a non-profit or church lawyer at Simms Showers today.
Disclaimer: This memorandum is provided for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice particular to your situation. No recipients of this memo should act or refrain from acting solely on the basis of this memorandum without seeking professional legal counsel. Simms Showers LLP expressly disclaims all liability relating to actions taken or not taken based solely on the content of this memorandum. Please contact Robert Showers for specific legal advice on this issue for your needs. Simms Showers LLP © 2015
