Our collection is organized into ten content areas essential to every not-for-profit board:
Featured Downloads
10 Critical Questions Boards Need to Ask
Key questions to consider as a board to facilitate advancement toward your mission. An ideal starting point - even if you've struggled with board improvement in the past!
Download Now
Effective Meetings: Welcome to the Board Room
30-page E-Book outlining how to have effective board meetings that never feel like a waste of time. Learn what to include, who is responsible for what, and what alternatives are available when a meeting is not really necessary.
Download Now
The Consent Agenda
Essential for meetings that matter! Learn how and when to use a Consent Agenda to save time and focus your meetings on the matters making a difference.
Download Now
Top 10 Library Board Handbooks
Get links to access 10 examples of effective Library Board Handbooks. Use these as your model and save hours of research time!
Download Now
Advocacy: Lessons Learned and Next Steps
This 26-page e-book by Ken Haycock explores the lessons learned in his decades of experience and research into advocacy for not-for-profit boards. Learn how to ensure sustainable (and sustaining!) resources and support from key decision-makers in your community.
Download Now
Section 0 - General
How are you doing?
0.1 Best Practices.
0.2 Sample Handbooks.
Section 1 - Purpose
What is your business?
Understanding your industry and sector. Why are you here? Your mission and why it is central.
1.1 Community Development.
1.2 Sector Specific: Arts; Public Libraries; Student Government.
1.3 Mission. Vision.
1.4 Values.
Section 2 - Board/CEO Partnership
Who is your employee?
The Board/CEO Partnership.
2.1 Board-CEO Partnership
2.2 Chair-CEO Partnership.
2.3 Selection of the CEO.
2.4 Competencies/Job Description.
2.5 Compensation.
2.6 Evaluation.
2.7 Succession and Transitions.
Section 3 - Roles
What is your role? What is my role?
3.1 Types of Boards.
3.2 Functions and Structures.
3.3 Board Role and Responsibilities.
3.4 Role of the Board Member.
3.5 Role of the Chair.
3.6 Code of Conduct.
Section 4 - Intentional Practices
Why are you meeting?
Intentional board practices.
4.1 Intentional Practices - General.
4.2 Effective Meetings.
4.3 Meeting Rules of Order.
4.4 Agendas and Minutes.
4.5 Consent Agendas.
4.6 Context for Meetings.
4.7 Board Culture.
Section 5 - Plan
Where are you headed?
Strategic Planning. Policy Development.
5.1 Strategic Planning.
5.2 Plan - Implementation. Monitoring.
5.3 Policy - Development. Monitoring. Review.
5.4 Partnerships - Community Partnerships.
Section 6 - Ensuring Sustainable Resources
Who's got the money?
Ensuring sustaining and sustainable resources. Advocacy.
6.1 Advocacy.
6.2 Plan - Influence.
6.3 Board Capacity.
6.4 Partnerships - Government Relations.
6.5 Fund Raising.
Section 7 - Oversight and Accountability. Measurement.
How do we know if we are any good?
Key Success Factors. Oversight and accountability.
7.1 Accountability.
7.2 Key Success Factors.
7.3 Policy - Outcomes.
Section 8 - Oversight and Accountability. Financial and legal.
Are you legal? What is fiduciary responsibility?
Oversight and accountability.
8.1 Legal Requirements.
8.2 Bylaws. Policies.
8.3 Fiduciary Oversight. Audits.
8.4 Financial Literacy.
8.5 Budget Development. Presentation.
8.6 Risk Management.
Section 9 - Inquiry and Transparency
Who needs to know?
Fostering inquiry and transparency.
9.1 Fostering Inquiry.
9.2 Board Profile.
9.3 Fostering Public Engagement.
9.4 External Communications.
9.5 Annual Reports.
Section 10 - Board Development and Revitalization
Do you need to be sick to get better?
10.1 Renewal and Revitalization.
10.2 Recruitment of New Members.
10.3 Onboarding and Orientation.
10.4 Education and Training.
10.5 Self-Assessments and Continual Improvement.
Be The First To Know
Join our mailing list to be the first to know about new free resources, blog articles, and special offers from Better Boards. Better Communities.
