New York Council Of Nonprofits, Inc. Board Development Resource Guide
New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc.Board Development Resource GuideRoles and ResponsibilitiesBuilding Board InfrastructureRecruitment and AssessmentConducting Effective Meetings
About NYCONThe New York Council of Nonprofits (NYCON) is the best resource for New York State s Nonprofits!With nearly 3,000 members, we are the largest state association in the country. NYCON works to buildthe capacity of nonprofits and communities to enhance the quality of life in New York State. We providea wide array of specialized technical assistance services, including governance, strategic planning,fundraising, legal, and financial help to nonprofits of all kinds in a staff-based, multi-disciplinary teammodel. NYCON also provides an array of group purchasing, insurance and employee benefits to ourmembers.Our MissionNYCON develops and promotes an effective and vibrant charitable nonprofit community throughout NewYork State. We strengthen organizational capacity, act as an advocate and unifying voice, help to informphilanthropic giving, and conduct research and planning to demonstrate relevance and impact.Introduction to the Board Development Resource GuideThis guide provides your organization with sample tools and resources to strengthen your Board ofDirectors. These encompass best practices based on our extensive experience being and working with alldifferent types of nonprofit organizations. Every organization is unique, however, and we encourage youto carefully review and modify the tools, committee descriptions, and other resources so that they arerelevant and meaningful to your organization.We also encourage you to establish a Board Development or Governance Committee fully charged withreviewing the effectiveness of your governance practices. If you have a small Board, this can even beyour Executive Committee. It is important to remember that organizations can, should, and must evolveover time.The times are changing and the increasing regulations and requirements place an ever-increasing burdenon our organizations. The Nonprofit Revitalization Act catalyzed significant changes to New York’s Notfor-profit Corporation Law including those affecting committees, conflict of interest and whistleblowerprovisions, and board independence. The increased need for transparency and the growing pressure todemonstrate our embrace of ethical practices is pushing the sector, and our Boards of Directors, to learnand grow on an ongoing basis.New Executive Directors, new Board Members, and new Board leaders all bring different experiences andexpectations of what effective Board service means. Open and honest conversations that explore howyour governance practices can evolve to better meet current situations and circumstances can really help.Please review the materials in this guide and contact us if you have any questions or would like assistancewith your board development efforts.
NYCON Board Development Resource GuideContentsBoard Member Roles and Responsibilities .1Your Basic Duties as a Board Member .2Sample Position Description: Board Member .3Sample Position Description: Board President .5Sample Position Description: Board Vice-President .6Sample Position Description: Secretary .6Sample Position Description: Treasurer .7Code of Ethical Conduct and Annual Potential Conflicts Disclosure Statement.8Suggested Contents of a Board Manual .13Building Board Infrastructure .14Sample Board Calendar.15Building an Effective Board Committee Structure .18Typical Committee Responsibilities .19Executive Committee .19Audit & Finance Committee .19Personnel Committee .20Nominations or Board Development Committee.20Fundraising and Marketing .21Programs and Quality Improvement .21Committee Chair Responsibilities .2225 Steps to Improving Committee Functioning .23Board Recruitment.25Assess your Compatibility .26Sample Board of Directors Application .27Suggested Board Member Interview Questions .31Board Assessment .32Board Development Assets Inventory .33Board of Directors Performance Evaluation .35Board of Directors Assessment Survey.36Conducting Effective Meetings .40Meeting Agenda Tips .41Meeting Chair’s Checklist .42Facilitation Tips for a Successful Meeting.44Principles and Key Definitions of Parliamentary Procedures .45Robert’s Rules Made Simple .46Conflict and the Board .47New York Council of Nonprofits Membership Benefits .48
Board MemberRoles andResponsibilitiesNew York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. Board Development Resource Guide 2017Page 1
Your Basic Duties as a Board MemberAsk Yourself Are You Fulfilling Your Basic Duties as a Board Member?As a board member of a charitable nonprofit in New York State, your fiduciary responsibilities revolvearound three basic duties: the duty of care, the duty of loyalty, and the duty of obedience. Consider:Duty of CareThis duty is fulfilled when a board member acts in good faith in all dealings with, and on behalf of, theorganization. An individual’s actions are measured against the “reasonable person” standard; in other words,how an ordinarily prudent person acts in similar circumstances. Consider: Am I sufficiently informed to decisively vote on matters? Are board & committee meeting minutes sent to & reviewed by members in advance? Are periodic financial reports, including comparisons with budget amounts, received regularly? Are board meetings organized to allow adequate discussion of policy related issues? Do we take the steps necessary to manage risks throughout the organization? Are approved plans monitored to assure accomplishment of objectives? Are financial budgets developed & approved before the start of the fiscal year? Is the organizational structure adequate to assure an efficient & effective operation? Are internal financial controls in place? Are we meeting our auditory requirements? Am I familiar with the audit? Are all my questions answered to my satisfaction? Are the personnel policies legally compliant & fully adhered to? Are we getting the most out of our investments? (endowment, working capital, & restricted funds)Duty of LoyaltyThis duty involves acting in the best interest of the organization at all times. Most board members are familiarwith the need to avoid conflicts of interest that is clearly stated in state law. Consider: Do I regularly attend board meetings & committee meetings? How strong is my allegiance to the organization? Have I avoided conflicts of interest with the organization? Is there policy & procedures for handling conflicts of interest in the bylaws? If there are common or overlapping boards for affiliated entities, are decisions evaluated from theperspective of all the involved entities? Am I willing to invest my personal resources & use my influence in the interest of the organization?Duty of ObedienceNonprofits have an obligation to operate in a manner that fulfills the stated purpose or mission as defined in thearticles of incorporation, bylaws, application for tax-exempt status, and other official documents. Boardmembers have a duty to follow the direction set by these governing documents, as well as to oversee compliancewith laws and regulations that affect the organization. Consider: Have I read & do I understand the charter and bylaws? Did I review the mission statement & other documents? Am I informed about significant contractual lawsuits or potential claims on assets? Do I know the intended beneficiaries of the exempt activities? Am I satisfied that resources are dedicated & used in accordance with the organization’s mission andpurpose? Is there a system in place to assure compliance with local, state, and federal laws & regulations, & amI familiar with these laws & regulations?New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. Board Development Resource Guide 2017Page 2
Sample Position Description: Board MemberGuidelines on Expectations and ResponsibilitiesSUMMARY: As a member of the Board of Directors, you assume responsibility for ensuring that theorganization’s fulfills its mission to Specifically, Board Members are expected to do the following: Support and uphold the mission and values and goals of .Actively participate in defining and implementing the organizations strategic vision andplans for the future.Contribute an average of 6 hours monthly.Attend bi-monthly board meetings.Actively participate in at least one Board committee.Support and become familiar with our Programs.Be a confident ambassador for the organization.Support fundraising efforts.Make a financial gift of personal significance.Be familiar with the organization’s bylaws, personnel policies, and other key policiesguiding governance and operational practices.Understand and respect Board-Staff boundaries.Participate in the annual evaluation of the Executive Director.Assist in identifying prospective board members.In general, Board Members responsibilities are expected to fulfill their legal and fiduciaryresponsibilities by completing the following:SERVICE: To prepare for, and attend in their entirety, Board meetings. To serve in leadership positions and Committee assignments willingly and enthusiastically when asked. To bring a sense of humor to the Board’s deliberations. To apply obedience to the law of the governance documents, a duty of care and loyalty to the organization.POLICY AND PLANNING: To participate in the development and establishment of policies through which the work of the organizationis accomplished. To suggest policy-related agenda items for meetings and ask timely and substantive questions, whilesupporting the majority decision on matters decided by the Board. To help ensure effective organizational planning by reviewing, critiquing and approving annual budgetsand workplans, as well as long-range plans. To identify changing consumer, constituency and stakeholder interest and build stakeholder investment.FINANCES: To ensure the organization’s long-term financial stability and integrity. To adopt an annual budget that is responsible financially. To ensure that periodic audits of the organization’s finances are conducted and otherwise assist the Boardto fulfill its fiduciary responsibility.New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. Board Development Resource Guide 2017Page 3
DEVELOPMENT: To make every effort to ensure that the organization has the resources to meet current and long-termfinancial solvency. To make a financial gift to the organization that is personally significant. To understand and support the organization’s fund development efforts, even if you are not expected to askfor funds yourself. To use every opportunity to heighten the profile of the organization in the community and to itsmembers/constituents.INTEGRITY: To maintain independence and objectivity and serve with a sense of ethics and personal integrity. To fully disclose, at the earliest opportunity, information that may result in a perceived or actual conflict ofinterest; or information of fact that would have significance in Board decision-making. To exercise the powers invested for the good of all members of the organization, or of the entity yourepresent, rather than for personal benefit. To respect the confidentiality of sensitive information known due to Board service. To respect the diversity of opinions as expressed or acted upon by the Board, its committees andmembership, and formally register dissent as appropriate. To promote collaboration, cooperation, and partnership among the board, staff, and members.SELF-ASSESSMENT: To participate in the Board periodic assessment of its own performance and recommend improvement insuch areas as composition, organization, tenure, retention, and responsibilities.New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. Board Development Resource Guide 2017Page 4
Sample Position Description: Board PresidentThe President of the Corporation is the chairperson for the board of directors who: Serves as the chief volunteer officer of the organization Is the only person authorized to speak for the board except for the executive director, other than inspecifically authorized materials Ensures that the board behaves consistently with legal and contractual obligations and the bylaws Provides leadership to the board of directors, who set policy and to whom the executive director isaccountable Acts as a liaison between the board and executive director Chairs meetings of the board with all the commonly accepted powers of the position Encourages board participation in strategic planning Appoints directors to committees and chairpersons of committees in consultation with the executivedirector, Delegates responsibility to other board members such as committee chairs Serves ex-officio as member of all governance committees and attends their meetings when possible Discusses issues confronting the organization with the executive director Reviews with the executive director any issues of concern to the board Monitors financial planning and financial reports Helps guide and mediate board actions with respect to organizational priorities and governanceconcerns Participants in the evaluation of the performance of the executive director and informally evaluatesthe effectiveness of board members Recognizes good performance of board members Recognizes performance of the executive director, evaluates the board’s effectiveness (objectivity inmaking decisions, willingness to take action, and influence to carry out the mission.) Evaluates the board informally by observing what is happening in the organization, assessing thecommittee chairs, monitoring relations with other organizations, sounding out public opinion Self-evaluates his/her own performance and shares with Executive Committee Addresses performance and/or conflict of interest problems with board directors Accepts other appropriate board leadership duties as directed by the board1.2.3.4.5.6.7.Desirable Qualifications:Vision – broad, overall image of the agency’s operationsGeneralist approach to the organizationImpartial attitudeCaring natureStrong leadership skillsAbility to facilitateWorking knowledge of Robert’s Rules of OrderNew York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. Board Development Resource Guide 2017Page 5
Sample Position Description: Board Vice-President Shall have all of the powers and functions of the president in the absence of the chief volunteerofficer. Be a “President-Elect” and shall succeed the chairperson of the board when appropriate. Shall have signatory authority for cash transactions or other official agency reports. Perform other appropriate duties as requested by the board or chairperson of the board. Sometimes helps to support committee functioning and leadership.Sample Position Description: Secretary Perform or oversee documentation for activities of the board.Assure that all documentation of corporate activities is managed in an appropriate manner.Have custody of all records and reports of the corporation.Perform or delegate to staff and assure the following: Creating and mailing agendas for all meetings of the board Keeping and reporting of complete and accurate minutes of all meetings of the board andall unanimous written consents executed by board members Knowing and advising the board on Roberts Rules of Order Serves on the Executive Committee. Perform such other duties as pertain to the office or as may be prescribed by the board. Ensure that all Board Candidates and Board Members submit conflict of interest disclosure forms anddisseminate them to either the President or the Chair of the Audit committee.1.2.3.4.Desirable Qualifications:Good Communication skills, especially writtenExperience with minutes (ability to participate in a meeting & record at the same time)Strong filing and organization skillsNotaryNew York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. Board Development Resource Guide 2017Page 6
Sample Position Description: Treasurer Oversee all financial activities of the corporation and act as the chairperson of the Finance Committeethat reviews all financial matters. Assure that all financial matters are managed in an appropriate manner. Have custody of all funds and securities of the corporation. Perform or delegate to staff the preparation of the following: Maintaining full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in the corporatebooks. Records of financial transactions shall be retained for eight years from the date oftransaction. Depositing all money and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the corporation insuch depositories as may be designated by the board. Disbursing the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered or authorized by board andpreserve proper vouchers for such disbursements. Rendering to the chairperson and the board at the regular meetings of the board, orwhenever they require it, an account of his/her transactions as Treasurer and of the financialcondition of the Corporation. Rendering a full financial report at the annual meeting of the board. Being furnished by all corporate officers and agents at his/her request with such reports andstatements as s/he may require regarding the financial transactions of the corporation. Acting with the Finance Committee, see that a true and accurate accounting of the financialtransactions of the corporation is made, that reports of such transactions are presented tothe board, and that all expenditures are made to the best possible advantage, and Performing other duties as are given to him/her by these Bylaws or as from time to time areassigned to him/her by the board or chairperson. Serves on the Executive Committee and all other finance related committees as determinedappropriate.Desirable Qualifications:1. Accounting knowledge2. Skill in assessing financial position3. Ability to separate the overall financial picture from detail oriented day-to-day operational issuesand to focus on the overall financial picture.New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. Board Development Resource Guide 2017Page 7
Code of Ethical Conduct and Annual Potential Conflicts Disclosure Statement—Code of Ethical Conduct—This Corporation is committed to maintaining the highest standard of conduct in carrying out our fiduciaryobligations in pursuit of our tax-exempt mission and purposes. As such, each and every Director, Officerand Key Employee (to the extent applicable) shall adhere to the following code of conduct:By-Laws & Policies be aware of and fully abide by the constitution, bylaws, rules and regulations of the Corporation andpolicies of the corporation, pursuant to the New York Not-for-Profit Corporation Law (N-PCL)assure compliance of the Corporation with respect to all statutes, regulations and contractualrequirementrespect and fully support the duly-made decisions of the Board of directors in accordance with theirfiduciary duties of obedience and loyaltyrespect the work and recommendations of committees who are duly charged and have convened anddeliberated accordingly, pursuant to the N-PCLwork diligently to ensure that the board fully assumes its role as a policy-making, governing bodyview and act towards the Chief Executive Officer as the chief administrative officer with the soleresponsibility for the day-to-day management of the organization, including personnel, and forimplementation of board policies and directivesInformed Participation attend most, if not all, meetings of the Board and assigned committeesremain informed of all matters, including financial, that come before the Board and/or assignedcommitteesrespect and follow the “chain of command” of the Board and administrationconstructively and appropriately bring to the attention of the Board, Officers, committee chairsand/or appropriate staff any questions, personal views, opinions and comments of significance onrelevant matters of governance, policymaking and our constituenciesoppose, on the record, Board actions with which one disagrees or is in serious doubtappropriately challenge, within the structure and bylaws of the corporation, those binding decisionsthat violate the legal, fiduciary or contractual obligations of the corporationdo not fully commit to others or self to vote a particular way on an issue before participating in adeliberation session in which the matter is discussed and action duly taken.act in ways that do not interfere with the duties or authority of staffNew York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. Board Development Resource Guide 2017Page 8
Conflict of Interest, Representation & Confidentiality represent the best interests of the corporation at all times and to declare any and all duality ofinterests or conflicts of interests, material or otherwise, that may impede or be perceived as impedingthe capacity to deliberate or act in the good faith, on behalf of the best interests of the Corporationconform to the procedures for such disclosure and actions as stated in the bylaws or otherwiseestablished by the board, pursuant to N-PCLnot seek or accept, on behalf of self or any other person, any financial advantage or gain that may beoffered because, or as a result, of the board member’s affiliation with the Corporation.publicly support and represent the duly made decisions of the Boardspeak positively of the organization to the Corporation members, and all current and potentialstakeholders and constituenciesnot take any public position representing the Corporation on any issue that is not in conformity withthe official position of the corporationnot use or otherwise relate one’s affiliation with the board to independently promote or endorsepolitical candidates or parties for the purpose of electionmaintain full confidentiality and proper use of information obtained as a result of board service inaccordance with board policy or directionInterpersonal speak clearly, listen carefully to and respect the opinions of fellow board members and key staffpromote collaboration and partnership among all members of the boardmaintain open communication and an effective partnership with the Board’s officer and committeeleadershipremain “solution focused”, offering criticism only in a constructive mannernot filibuster or engage in activities during meetings that are intended to impede or delay theprogress and work of the board because of differences in opinion or other personal reasonsalways work to develop and improve one’s knowledge and skills that enhances one’s abilities as aDirector—Annual Potential Conflicts Disclosure Statement—As a Director or Officer or Key Employee of the Corporation, prior to being seated on the Board ofDirectors or commencing employment with the Corporation, as appropriate, and annually thereafter, you arerequired to truthfully, completely and accurately disclose all information requested herein and to promptlyupdate all such information as circumstances may change from time-to-time. With regard to this ConflictsDisclosure Statement, be advised, all material terms identified by quotation marks are defined by Appendix“A” of the By-Laws of the Corporation, which is entitled “By-Law & Corporate Policy Definitions.”Please mark ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ where indicated & provide additional information when requestedNew York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. Board Development Resource Guide 2017Page 9
Financial Information Return Disclosure.Responses to the following questions are required in order to complete financial information returnsannually submitted to the Internal Revenue Service and the Office of the Attorney General.1. Have you served as an officer, director, trustee, key employee, partner or member of, or hold athirty-five percent (35%) or greater ownership or beneficial interest, or in the case of a partnership orprofessional corporation a direct or indirect ownership interest in excess of five percent (5%), in, anentity, which during the most recently completed, or current, fiscal year, had, or are reasonablyanticipated to have, a direct, or indirect, business relationship, with the Corporation?NoYesIf Yes, briefly describe below & attach a detailed explanation2. Have you, individually, or through an entity where you hold a thirty-five percent (35%) or greaterownership or beneficial interest, or in the case of a partnership or professional corporation a direct orindirect ownership interest in excess of five percent (5%), during the most recently completed, orcurrent, fiscal year, had, or are reasonably anticipated to have, a direct, or indirect, businessrelationship, with any individual who is a current or former “Officer,” “Director” or “KeyEmployee” of the Corporation?NoYesIf Yes, briefly describe below & attach a detailed explanation3. Do you have a “Relative” who, during the most recently completed, or current, fiscal year, had, or isreasonably anticipated to have, a direct, or indirect, business relationship with the Corporation?NoYesIf Yes, briefly describe below & attach a detailed explanation4. Have you, or did you have a “Relative” who, during the most recently completed, or current, fiscalyear, had, or is reasonably anticipated to have, any transaction with the Corporation that mightreasonably be considered a real or potential conflict of interest pursuant to the Corporation’s Boardof Directors Conflicts of Interest Policy, which has not been otherwise disclosed herein?NoYesIf Yes, briefly describe below & attach a detailed explanationNew York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. Board Development Resource Guide 2017Page 10
5. Have you been provided with, properly reviewed and reasonably understand the terms of theCorporation’s current written Board of Directors Conflicts of Interest Policy?NoYesIf No, briefly describe below & attach a detailed explanationIndependent Director Assessment Disclosure.In order to qualify as an “Independent Director,” as defined by the New York Not-for-Profit CorporationLaw, an Officer or Director must respond in the affirmative to each of the following questions, althoughfailure to respond in the affirmative to all questions shall not necessarily preclude such an Officer orDirector from serving on the Board of Directors.1. Are you currently, or have you been within the last three (3) fiscal years, an employee of theCorporatio
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