developing an effective board david younkman strategic consulting september 2006
TRANSCRIPT
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 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
~ 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 PerformanceDavid 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 UtilizeBoard Members
• Site visits• Presentations at public
meetings• Introductions to
donors/partners• Conferences/workshops• 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 meetingsthen… • 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/contactsDavid 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 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
~ Strategic Consulting ~