As the governing body of a nonprofit, the board of directors or board of trustees fulfills a variety of roles and responsibilities. Among its many duties, the board:

• Oversees the financial operations of the organization
• Maintains the legal and ethical standing of the organization and its staff
• Provides leadership and strategic direction for the organization
• Serves as guardian of the public trust
• Ensures that an organization remains accountable to its donors and to the general public

In order to carry out these duties effectively, the board will often need to expand as an organization grows and matures. While recruitment is one important step in this process, a broad, systematic approach to board development, including orientation, training, evaluation, and the cultivation of prospective board members, is critical to ensuring the long-term success of any board.

To learn more about developing nonprofit boards, we offer the following training:

Your Board and Fundraising: An Introductory Class for Small Nonprofits, which includes information on getting your board involved in the fundraising process. Available free as an online webinar and as an in-person class.

Before You Seek a Grant: A Checklist for New Nonprofits, which discusses how to develop a governing board for a new organization. Available free as an online webinar and as an in-person class.

Local organizations, like volunteer agencies and United Way chapters, also may offer programs that train people how to be effective nonprofit board members. Additionally, these programs will usually match trainees with nonprofits who are looking for board members.

See also our related Knowledge Base articles:

- Where can I find information on a board’s legal duties?
- What is the board's role in fundraising?
- How can I find board members for my nonprofit?

More articles about nonprofit boards»

Selected resources below may also be help.