Nonprofit Boards for the Real World

Strong boards are essential for healthy nonprofits, yet building and guiding them can be one of the toughest jobs for executive directors. This interactive training—designed for both staff and board members—will cover board roles and responsibilities, recruitment and onboarding, engagement strategies, and how boards evolve as organizations grow. Join us for this Nonprofit Academy session, offered in partnership with Sherburne County Area United Way and led by Amanda Whittemore and Chris Fastner of True North Strategy.

Unlike typical businesses, nonprofits are not owned. They are overseen by boards of directors who represent the best interests of an organization and its mission. Building an effective board can be one of the trickiest jobs for a nonprofit executive director. To help them work effectively, nonprofit board members need ongoing information, direction and a deep understanding of the organization’s mission, vision and values.

Join this training for nonprofit staff and board members for a wide-ranging conversation and learning experience. We’ll explore:

• What do boards do? What are their roles, responsibilities, and ethical and legal obligations?
• How does one find and onboard members?
• How can board members best support the organization they serve?
• How are boards managed and by whom?
• How do executive directors keep their boards engaged?
• How might board member roles change over time as their nonprofit evolves from small startup to a larger, more mature organization?

The Initiative Foundation’s Nonprofit Academy trainings are part of the mission of the Foundation to serve the people of Central Minnesota. If your organization is located outside our 14 county and two Native nation service area, please contact Nicole Clements regarding options for participating.