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 ~

MEET U.S.3 What is a board anyway? A collection of people working together responsibly through an organization to 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 ~ Strategic Consulting ~

MEET U.S.4 Types of Boards Board of Directors Advisory Board Honorary Board  Governs the NGO  Technical resource  Lends credibility David Younkman ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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 Performance David Younkman ~ Strategic Consulting ~

MEET U.S.6 The Perfect Board Member Work Wealth Wisdom  Diversity David Younkman ~ Strategic Consulting ~

MEET U.S.7 Opportunities to Utilize Board Members Site visits Presentations at public meetings Introductions to donors/partners Conferences/workshop s Discuss ideas with you Other thoughts? David Younkman ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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 meetings then… Get them out talking, presenting, providing tours and asking others to join them! David Younkman ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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 ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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/contacts David Younkman ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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 ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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 ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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 ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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 ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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 ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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 ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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 ~ Strategic Consulting ~

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 ~ Strategic Consulting ~

MEET U.S.19 Remember Effective boards take time and attention. Effective boards multiply the power of your organization. David Younkman ~ Strategic Consulting ~

MEET U.S.20 Resources Board Source Synergos Institute Council on Foundations CompassPoint/Board Café “ Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson David Younkman ~ Strategic Consulting ~