Research

Exceptional boards add significant value to their organizations, making discernible differences in their advance on mission. How does a board rise to this level?   Are there standards that describe this height of performance? BoardSource convened a group of governance experts and, together, explored the characteristics of exceptional boards. Defining and analyzing their common traits and actions, we distilled the essence of what great boards do that is different and how they do it. This work reflects the collective wisdom of an extraordinary group of experts who have decades of experience researching, analyzing, counseling, advising, and serving on boards in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors:

The result — The Source: Twelve Principles of Governance That Power Exceptional Boards. These principles define governance not as dry, obligatory compliance, but as a creative and collaborative process that supports chief executives, engages board members, and furthers the causes they all serve.

• Download an overview of The Source
• Learn about the Blue Ribbon Panel
• Purchase a copy of The Source
• Press Release: BoardSource Issues Call to Action for Nonprofit Boards: Make a Discernible Difference By Moving From Stewardship to Leadership