Member-only story
Understanding Nonprofit Board Governance
And how to be the best kind of board member.
A nonprofit organization is created the same way as a for-profit corporation, but the two entities operate in several different ways. Because nonprofit work involves public benefit, charitable organizations can apply for tax-exempt status from the IRS, making stewardship extremely critical. But, the legal responsibility falls on a group of unrelated volunteers who typically lack “boots on the ground” experience in the nonprofit space or a vested interest in the organization’s success.
Until the principles of nonprofit governance are reimagined and successfully overhauled, executive directors are forced to tolerate the archaic and often ineffective structure in which they operate. No wonder turnover amongst executive directors and other nonprofit leaders is so high.
During my own tenure as an executive director, I often wanted to rip my hair out when a board member called. I remember returning home from board meetings exhausted and defeated, wondering whether I was every really heard or appreciated. I used to joke that I’d have to put on my Wonder Woman bracelets before the meeting, ready to deflect the rapid-fire bullets that were sure to come my way.
