BoardSource: Building Effective Nonprofit Boards
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Video: Ten Basic Responsibilities
of Nonprofit Boards

These 11 videos will help board members, chief executives, and senior staff understand the fundamental elements of service common to most boards, including board member responsibilities, how to structure the board in the most efficient manner, and how to accomplish governance work in the spirit and mission of the organization. They are based on BoardSource's Governance Series, which can be purchased in our bookstore.

Introduction:
The Board's Role

BoardSource President and CEO Linda Crompton talks about the importance of having effective boards.

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Responsibility 1:
Determine Mission and Purpose

A commitment to the organization’s mission should drive the board’s and management’s priorities.

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Responsibility 2:
Hire the Chief Executive

Hiring the best person for the job is critical for the organization’s continuing development and effectiveness.

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Responsibility 3:
Support and Evaluate the Chief Executive

Providing support, assessing performance, and setting compensation are key board responsibilities.

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Responsibility 4:
Ensure Effective Planning

Planning should engage stakeholders and challenge the organization to test assumptions.

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Responsibility 5:
Monitor and Strengthen Programs

The board should pay attention to what the organization does, and how well it does it.

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Responsibility 6:
Ensure Adequate Financial Resources

An organization can be effective only if it has enough financial resources to meet its purposes.

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Responsibility 7:
Protect Assets and Provide Financial Oversight

Boards must verify that the organization’s financial systems and practices meet accepted standards.

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Responsibility 8:
Build a Competent Board

Every organization’s governing board will only be as effective as its individual members.

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Responsibility 9:
Ensure Legal and Ethical Integrity

Compliance, transparency, and, accountability are critical issues for nonprofit boards.

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Responsibility 10:
Enhance Public Standing

Members should think of themselves as the organization’s ambassadors and advocates.

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