10 Responsibilities of a Non-Profit Board of Directors

This tool spells out ten important responsibilities of a Non-Profit Board of Directors. Board members – and staff – can use this tool to make sure their boards stay on track. Keep in mind that the Board governs the organization – not individual Board members. Board members need to work together to fulfill these responsibilities.

See our related tool: “Five Habits of High-Performing Boards.”

Board Members Should:

1. Select, Evaluate, and Support the CEO or executive director.
2. Help focus the organization’s vision and goals.
3. Monitor the organization’s progress in achieving its vision and strategic focus on a regular basis.
4. Make sure the Board has clear goals and expectations for Board members (e.g. fund-raising).
5. Monitor the Board’s success in meeting its goals.
6. Attend Board meetings and be a leader in Board activities.
7. Evaluate the Board’s structure and functioning on a regular, objective basis.
8. Cultivate prospective Board members and develop the Board so it can effectively meet the organization’s needs.
9. Ensure sufficient resources are on hand and that those resources are managed effectively.
10. Contribute a lasting legacy to the organization and set a high bar for others to follow.

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Eric Douglas

Eric Douglas is the senior partner and founder of Leading Resources Inc., a consulting firm that focuses on developing high-performing organizations. For more than 20 years, Eric has successfully helped a wide array of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporations achieve breakthroughs in performance. His new book The Leadership Equation helps leaders achieve strategic clarity, manage change effectively, and build a leadership culture.