Board Members’ Responsibilities


Non-profit organisations, from recreation centres to food banks to cancer charities, would not exist if not for the dedication of volunteer board members. They are accountable to act in the best interest of the organization and to disclose any potential conflicts of interest which could affect the impartial decision-making.

The most enthusiastic, passionate board members will be your greatest advocates and the best ambassadors. They should actively promote the organization within their personal and professional networks, and try to spark that same passion in others. This includes spreading the word about your organization as well as attending events and helping to support the mission through their charitable giving.

As the board’s voice and eyes, they must examine and revise business strategies to ensure they are robust, flexible, and aligned with the overall goals of the organization. This means assessing risks such as legal, financial and reputational risks and minimizing them.

This is among the most crucial responsibilities for board members to fulfill and takes a lot of time and energy. The board must be able identify the important areas of risk that need to be addressed and prioritize them in the context of the organization’s overall strategy.

The board should be aware of state-specific «Sunshine Laws» and other regulations that affect the way that nonprofits conduct business and should be able to articulate what these laws mean for the organization’s day-today operations. It is also important that the board has a thorough knowledge of the organization’s tax status and the consequences.

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