A board's primary governance responsibility is fiduciary, or to uphold the public trust, meaning:
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Paying close attention to what's going on and making decisions based on good information
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Putting the welfare of the organization above other interests when making decisions
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Acting in accordance with the nonprofit's mission and goals
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Reviewing the mission statement and goals of the organization on a regular basis
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Participating in planning
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If the organization has paid staff, hiring the executive director and reviewing his or her job performance
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Reviewing the organization's budget and keeping well informed of its financial situation
- Reviewing the performance of the organization's programs
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Raising money for the organization
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Setting, evaluating, and — if necessary — revising policies
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Serving as an ambassador for the organization — making more people aware of its work
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Recruiting additional board members and volunteers