How to Prepare for a Non-Profit Board Meeting

Volunteering for a non-profit instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in most people. Serving on a board is the next step in contributing time and energy to a favorite organization. For those who have been granted the opportunity to serve on a board, the job may seem daunting at first. The first step at most non-profits is preparing for the first board meeting. Specific tasks should be performed.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Read the by-laws. Every organization has a set of rules that govern every aspect of the entity. Make sure that there is an in-depth knowledge of board of directors, contracts and other legal components are addressed by the organization.

2. Find board training courses. In the state of Texas, for example, the Department of State Health Services offers an online tutorial that trains new board members. It gives basic knowledge of how board members are to conduct themselves.

3. Contact the Executive Director. Organizations often have a philosophy all their own. It’s important to hear that perspective directly from the person who guides the day-to-day operations. Many Executive Directors want board members to offer expertise on day to day to issues, while others want board members to perform very specific duties away from the execution of non-profit programs.

4. Make sure there is an understanding of finances. The tool used to document non-profit financial activity is called a 990. Tutorials on how to read 990’s are available several places online (see Resources below).

Resources

• Tutorials on how to read 990 forms can be found at this website.

[CBPope]

on 11/17/2008 I will foward this to my board members.

[mrkkemp62]

on 3/18/2008 I am glad I joined E-How because your article really helped me understand what Board membership is really about.

Sincerly
Keith W Kemp