developing an effective board

Developing an Effective Board

David Younkman

Strategic Consulting

September 2006

MEET U.S. 2

Our Objectives Today• Why you need a board

• How you can work with your board

• How you can build and strengthen your board

David Younkman

~ Strategic Consulting ~

[email protected]

MEET U.S. 3

What is a board anyway?

• A collection of peopleworking together responsiblythrough an organizationto accomplish something great.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”.~ Margaret Mead

David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 4

Types of Boards

• Board of Directors• Advisory Board• Honorary Board

Governs the NGO Technical resource Lends credibility

David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 5

Board Responsibilities• Sets the Mission, Vision and Strategy

• NGO Administration and Policies

• Program Planning & Budget

• Evaluation of Effectiveness

• Select, Support, and Evaluate Lead Staff

• Financial Stewardship/Financial Health

• Represent NGO in the Community

• Assess its own PerformanceDavid Younkman


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MEET U.S. 6

The Perfect Board Member

• Work

• Wealth

• Wisdom

Diversity

David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 7

Opportunities to UtilizeBoard Members

• Site visits• Presentations at public

meetings• Introductions to

donors/partners• Conferences/workshops• Discuss ideas with you• Other thoughts?David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 8

Fundraising:What Every Director Wants from Their Board• It starts with them: Set a board policy for giving –

– “give, get or get off”• Every board member must give something• Make board giving part of your revenue in your org

budget, so the board can track progress• Announce all board gifts and publicly THANK

THEM at board meetingsthen… • Get them out talking, presenting, providing tours

and asking others to join them!David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 9

Other Ways Boards Can Help with Fundraising

• Make challenge gifts• Ask their friends for support• Host a dinner/event for the NGO• Help reduce costs--get

equipment/office space donations

• Loan guarantees/lines of credit• Call funders to thank for gifts

David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 10

Identifying New Board Members - Factors to Consider

• Gaps and needs –your Board matrix

• Their knowledge, expertise, reputation

• Duplication?• Is your org. a priority?• Willingness to give; to

ask; to work?• Local vs. national

knowledge/contactsDavid Younkman


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MEET U.S. 11

Steps for Inviting a New Board Member• Review potential names

with current board members

• Invite them to a site visit/public meeting so they can see what you do

• Go to lunch with another board member to talk about the NGO ~ and your expectations

David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 12

ASK!Do not assume that they know you want

them to be on the board. You have to ask them and hear them say yes. That means that they are committing to the work ahead and to the fundraising goals!

Steps for Inviting a New Board Member (cont)

David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 13

What you need to know about board members• Contact information • Special skills or expertise:

– fundraising, HR, finances, business, PR, technology, legal, industry, or mission specific

• Professional background • Education • Professional affiliations • Other board service • Expected level of gift or possible in-kind

donations • Special interests or hobbies David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 14

Board Orientation:What do they need to know?

• List of board members and contact info

• Calendar of meetings• NGO legal/institutional

info• Staff list with job

descriptions, org. chart• Financial data – budget,

audit, procedures• Board minutes and

agendas• Annual Workplan, goals

David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 15

How to Get Your Board to Work for You

• Keep them informed, but don’t overwhelm

• Ask them to do ONE THING at a time ONLY

• Make them proud to talk about the organization

• THANK THEM every time they do something for the organization

• Make it fun (retreats, dinners, etc.)David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 16

Committees ~ how to organize your board

• Executive Committee

• Financial Committee

• Legal Review Committee

hiring, compensation, board recruitment

financial oversight, approves staff expenses, investment policy

Reviews data, justification and recommends legal action

David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 17

What to do with a problem board member?

• Ask Board Chair or Vice-Chair to intervene

• Ask them to serve on Advisory or Honorary boards as a transition

• Don’t invite them in the first place!

David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 18

Hallmarks of an Effective Board• Thinks strategically ~ sets measurable goals• Clarifies roles and responsibilities • Focuses board time and attention on important

issues • Gets the important things done ~ Results Matter!• Uses evaluation to learn rather than criticize • Has the confidence to take risks • Trusts and supports the staff • Values open and honest communication • Works together as an effective corporate unit David Younkman


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MEET U.S. 19

Remember• Effective boards

take time and attention.

• Effective boards multiply the power of your organization.

David Younkman


[email protected]

MEET U.S. 20

Resources

• Board Source http://www.boardsource.org

• Synergos Institute http://www.synergos.org

• Council on Foundations http://www.cof.org

• CompassPoint/Board Café

www.compasspoint.org- “Nothing great was ever achieved

without enthusiasm”. -- Ralph Waldo EmersonDavid Younkman


[email protected]

http://www.boardsource.org/

http://www.synergos.org/

http://www.cof.org/

http://www.compasspoint.org/

developing an effective board

Documents

board responsibilitiessets

somethingmake board

board gifts

board policy

board meetingsthen

offevery board member

meet u

giftsdavid younkman