When it comes to managing and running a nonprofit organization, one of the most challenging things is effectively organizing and working with the board of directors. It is crucial that you set the correct tone while striking a balance that will enable you to enhance the productivity of your work by collaborating with the board for the sake of your organization.
Most importantly, it is necessary that you understand the role of the board of your nonprofit. This is important in order to ensure ultimate collaboration and communication.
The functions of a board are as follows:
- Ensuring that a nonprofit completes its organizational and strategic planning while developing required policies
- Selecting and monitoring the performance of ED (executive director)
- Ensuring that the organization has the necessary resources to accomplish its mission
- Monitoring the nonprofit’s programs and services
- Ensuring fiduciary and legal compliance and best practices
There are, however, cases when it becomes a challenge for executive directors to effectively manage their board. Sometimes the reason is a lack of experience, which leads to micro-management, thereby preventing quality management.
With that said, it is imperative that you employ some of the following nonprofit best practices when nonprofit management is concerned.
1. Write Down Roles & Responsibilities
Create a document that clearly mentions the roles and responsibilities of the nonprofit’s board, as well as the responsibilities of the executive director. This will provide the boundaries and parameters, enabling all the people involved to understand what is expected of them.
2. Document Organizational, Strategic, and Work Plans
If a board is to monitor the progress of the nonprofit organization, it needs to have comprehensive documentation that defines the direction in which it is headed, along with the benchmark it uses to accomplish its goals. Work and organizational planning can be formulated by the nonprofit’s staff and is approved by the board.
Creating documented plans for reference and guidance can be among the nonprofit best practices.
3. Provide Material in Advance
Prior to board meetings, it is important to provide the board directors the necessary materials in advance. This would allow them to catch up with the latest happenings and developments at the nonprofit organization, thereby enabling everyone to sync on the same frequency. This material can include board books, agendas, and other information. Try to provide them with the data at least a week before a meeting.
4. Utilize Technology to Enhance Collaboration
Technology has made things a lot easier. With board management portals now available, there is no reason why you cannot collaborate with your board. Nonprofit Management can be enhanced greatly by using technology and internet. Board management portals, for example, allow the nonprofit staff to keep in touch with board members, recording all communications. Not only that, but these portals can be accessed through a desktop PC, tablet, or other mobile devices.
Quality management of a nonprofit does not come easy; it takes considerable effort and time to get things in place. However, with proper planning and diligence, the task can be simplified and streamlined to a great extent, making everyone’s job easier.