How to Develop a Board Manual for Not for Profits
Nonprofit board members have an important job. They determine the nonprofit's mission and strategy, select the executive director, provide financial oversight and ensure the charity is run ethically and legally. According to BoardSource, "The foundation of a committed, knowledgeable and effective board is orientation and education." A board manual helps orient and educate board members. Board manuals should have information about how the board operates, the nonprofit's operating plan, strategy and charter documents; its fundraising and financing; and its staff list, among other information.
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Instructions
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How to Develop a Board Manual for Not for Profits
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Discuss the board manual with the nonprofit's board chair, officers and staff to develop the manual. Keep in mind that a board manual is needed for two purposes: For the new board member, the manual is an orientation tool that provides useful information about the board and organization. For other board members, it is a working reference about the organization and the board.
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During your consultation(s), consider this information for the manual: Board information (listing, bios, board terms, responsibilities, committees); the nonprofit's history (brief historical sketch, articles of incorporation, bylaws and IRS determination letter); strategy information (mission and visioning statements, strategic plan, current operating plan); minutes from any recent board meetings; board policies; financial information (annual report, audit report, annual budget, Form 990; investment policies, funder list); staff information (staff listing and organizational chart.)
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Meet with staff to prepare the manual. Keep included information concise and date it, so information can be easily kept current. Put the documents in the binder in an organized fashion, using labeled dividers. Create a table of contents, so information may be easily located when needed.
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Place any additional documents, such as the nonprofit's brochures and other public relations' pieces, and its annual calendar, into the pockets of each binder. Don't make the pockets so full and bulky that information easily slips out.
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Give binders to board members before the first board meeting. Board members should be encouraged to read and ask questions about the documents to familiarize themselves with the manual and the nonprofit's operations.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask board members every year to evaluate the manual's usefulness and revise when necessary.
