Welcome to the Board

In easy-to-understand language, Howe answers the most common questions and concerns of prospective board members, and details their rights, obligations, and liabilities. Drawing on a lifetime of experience on nonprofit boards, Howe details the seven key responsibilities of a nonprofit board member--including how to go about the process of approving the mission, long-range planning, fundraising, and selecting and evaluating a chief executive. Additionally, Howe explores the leadership role each board member must assume if their organization is to excel.

Foreword xi Preface xiii The Author xix Part I: Board Membership in Perspective 1 1 On Joining a Board 3 2 The Qualities of a Good Board Member 5 3 What You Should Know About the Law Governing Nonprofits 9 4 A Nonprofit is not a Business 13 Part II Board Member Responsibilities 21 5 Your Role as a Board Member 23 6 Attending Board Meetings 27 7 Defining the Mission and Strategic Planning 29 8 Choosing and Evaluating the Chief Executive 35 9 Assuring Financial Responsibility 41 10 Supporting and Overseeing Programs 47 11 Participating in Fundraising 51 12 Keeping the Board Effective 63 Part III: Board Members and Boards 67 13 Board Organization and Procedures 69 14 Rights, Obligations, and Liabilities of Board Members 77 15 Leadership: Every Board Member Has a Role 85 Resources 89 A A Donor Bill of Rights 91 B The Council of Better Business Bureaus’ Standards for Charitable Solicitations 93 C National Charities Information Bureau’s Standards in Philanthropy 101 References 111 Index 113