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The Nonprofit Board Answer Book: A Practical Guide for Board Members and Chief Executives
An essential guide to good governance for board leaders at all levels of experience and expertise This third edition of the bestselling book for nonprofit board members and professionals offers a thoroughly revised and updated resource that answers the most-commonly asked question on board governance. The book covers such topics as board structure and process, board member recruitment and orientation, board-staff relations, and financial management. This new edition includes updated information on topics that have recently increased in importance including new Form 990; dealing with the financial crisis, risk management, and mergers.
Shows executives and board members how to be more effective, meet difficult situations head-on, and deal with commonplace challenges with confidence Topics include information on the viability of for-profit ventures, board retreats, board diversity, fundraising, financial oversight, strategic thinking, and the use of technology From Boardsource the premier resource for practical information, tools, best practices, training, and leadership development for board members of nonprofit organizations worldwide Offers insight gained from the BoardSource Governance Index Survey, hundreds of board self-assessments, and questions and challenges heard by BoardSource from thousands of nonprofit leaders.
Shows executives and board members how to be more effective, meet difficult situations head-on, and deal with commonplace challenges with confidence Topics include information on the viability of for-profit ventures, board retreats, board diversity, fundraising, financial oversight, strategic thinking, and the use of technology From Boardsource the premier resource for practical information, tools, best practices, training, and leadership development for board members of nonprofit organizations worldwide Offers insight gained from the BoardSource Governance Index Survey, hundreds of board self-assessments, and questions and challenges heard by BoardSource from thousands of nonprofit leaders.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2007
45 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 2, 2024
This is a review of The Nonprofit Board Answer Book by BoardSource. BoardSource, an organization built around developing resources that lead to building effective nonprofit boards, has released this practical guide for board members and chief executives through Jossey-Bass. This edition came out in 2007.
This expanded version, which is built upon the first edition of this book, has not only been a perennial best-seller but also an exhaustive look at every topic related to executive leadership and boards in non-profit organizations. As a book, “it follows a question-and-answer format, enabling you to quickly find an answer to a burning question you have right now.” Then, “at the end of each question-and-answer pairing, you’ll find suggested action steps.”
The Nonprofit Board Answer Book is organized into six distinct sections by its authors. First, it delves into the fundamental functions of a board. Following that, the authors from BoardSource examine the effective structure of boards. Third, the book delves into the processes of selecting and developing board members within an organization. Part four examines the key elements of successful board and committee meetings. Part five thoroughly explores the board's fiduciary role. In part six, the authors discuss board-staff relations. Lastly, the book concludes with its seventh section, focusing on cultivating organizational change. Each of these six parts is filled with chapters based on operational questions. As a result, there are “eighty questions answered in this book” that “represent the queries that BoardSource commonly receives” on what it means to develop effective boards and executive leadership in non-profit organizations.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, BoardSource stands as a resource to bring transformative power to nonprofit boards and executive leaders. Collaborating closely with partners who share our vision, BoardSource creates innovative solutions to enhance board leadership and governance practices, driving positive change within communities. They champion the advancement of the public good, leading purposefully to address the pressing challenges of an organization and society.
During my pursuit of a Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree at City Vision University, I encountered this book as part of the curriculum for the course, ORG612 Nonprofit Executive Leadership and Board Development. It quickly became my favorite resource from this course, one from which I diligently took copious notes, both for its immediate relevance to my current endeavors and academic studies, but also for my future endeavors and studies. I certainly anticipate revisiting this invaluable book in the future, recognizing its enduring significance for my ongoing growth and professional development. The unbiased and informative approach was a huge draw for me into this resource.
Looking at the resource further;
-- The first part of the book looks at how “as a member of a governing board, you have the pleasure – and the responsibility – of monitoring, overseeing, and providing direction for the organization’s pursuit of that mission.” Looking at those responsibilities, and legal ramifications, the authors help readers to “develop or hone your skills in numerous areas, from financial management to organizational communication and from fundraising to strategic planning.”
-- In the second part, this book explores how “a board has the latitude to decide which governance structure works best for the organization’s mission, activities, culture, and preferred way of working.” So, the authors offer insight on how to find and define, “the best structure for your board is the one that brings organization to its activities and promotes efficiency in the process.”
-- Part 3, looks at how we must recruit and develop effective board leaders. This starts by looking at, “…if you want to recruit people who are serious about governing the organization, you must take recruitment seriously.” However, it also looks at how to develop strong board members that are effective, that address “issues, keeps the mission clear, uses funds wisely, and makes board meetings enjoyable.”
-- Through the fourth part of this book, we explore the board and committee meetings. The authors look at how to hold and facilitate good meetings, having clear boundaries, and understandable processes. They clearly point out, “The board chair is the key figure in keeping the board focused on its governance role.”
-- In the fifth part of the book, the authors explore how the board is “entrusted with guarding the organization’s assets and reputation,” and as a result “board members must make prudent decisions that are in the best interest of the organization, without subjecting it to unnecessary risk.” This really looks at the fiduciary responsibilities of the board.
-- Next, the authors look at board-staff relations, and what it means to facilitate a healthy collaboration. In this chapter, the authors help readers see that “The board – led by the board chair – thinks and acts strategically, by setting the direction for the organization and establishing guidelines for it to follow. On the other hand, “the staff – led by the chief executive – thinks and acts operationally, by finding the most efficient and effective means of implementing the board’s direction within the guidelines.” It is worthy to note that together, it’s about communicating a unified collaboration, because “the most successful organizations foster a “we’re in this together” environment among board and staff.”
-- Part 7, the last part of the book, perhaps the weakest of all the sections, briefly looks at how change and transition take place in an organization and how to go about it in more effective, communicative, and healthy ways.
The Nonprofit Board Answer Book by BoardSource, released through Jossey-Bass, boasts a reader-friendly format that facilitates easy navigation and quick access to information. With its question-and-answer layout, readers can swiftly locate answers to specific queries, making it a practical reference tool for board members and chief executives alike. Each section of the book is structured systematically, covering fundamental topics such as board functions, structure, member selection, meeting management, fiduciary responsibilities, and board-staff relations. This organized approach ensures clarity and coherence throughout the book, enhancing its readability and usefulness as a comprehensive guide for nonprofits.
It is one of the more exhaustive and informative books I have read on this topic, using fact and responsibility, over opinion. This book serves as an indispensable resource for anyone involved in nonprofit leadership and governance. Its thorough exploration of key topics coupled with actionable insights and suggested action steps make it an invaluable companion for both novice and experienced board members and executives. I recommend utilizing this book as a foundational resource in board development programs, executive leadership training, and ongoing governance discussions within nonprofit organizations. Even pastors will find information from this for their boards, committees, and leadership teams.
This expanded version, which is built upon the first edition of this book, has not only been a perennial best-seller but also an exhaustive look at every topic related to executive leadership and boards in non-profit organizations. As a book, “it follows a question-and-answer format, enabling you to quickly find an answer to a burning question you have right now.” Then, “at the end of each question-and-answer pairing, you’ll find suggested action steps.”
The Nonprofit Board Answer Book is organized into six distinct sections by its authors. First, it delves into the fundamental functions of a board. Following that, the authors from BoardSource examine the effective structure of boards. Third, the book delves into the processes of selecting and developing board members within an organization. Part four examines the key elements of successful board and committee meetings. Part five thoroughly explores the board's fiduciary role. In part six, the authors discuss board-staff relations. Lastly, the book concludes with its seventh section, focusing on cultivating organizational change. Each of these six parts is filled with chapters based on operational questions. As a result, there are “eighty questions answered in this book” that “represent the queries that BoardSource commonly receives” on what it means to develop effective boards and executive leadership in non-profit organizations.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, BoardSource stands as a resource to bring transformative power to nonprofit boards and executive leaders. Collaborating closely with partners who share our vision, BoardSource creates innovative solutions to enhance board leadership and governance practices, driving positive change within communities. They champion the advancement of the public good, leading purposefully to address the pressing challenges of an organization and society.
During my pursuit of a Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree at City Vision University, I encountered this book as part of the curriculum for the course, ORG612 Nonprofit Executive Leadership and Board Development. It quickly became my favorite resource from this course, one from which I diligently took copious notes, both for its immediate relevance to my current endeavors and academic studies, but also for my future endeavors and studies. I certainly anticipate revisiting this invaluable book in the future, recognizing its enduring significance for my ongoing growth and professional development. The unbiased and informative approach was a huge draw for me into this resource.
Looking at the resource further;
-- The first part of the book looks at how “as a member of a governing board, you have the pleasure – and the responsibility – of monitoring, overseeing, and providing direction for the organization’s pursuit of that mission.” Looking at those responsibilities, and legal ramifications, the authors help readers to “develop or hone your skills in numerous areas, from financial management to organizational communication and from fundraising to strategic planning.”
-- In the second part, this book explores how “a board has the latitude to decide which governance structure works best for the organization’s mission, activities, culture, and preferred way of working.” So, the authors offer insight on how to find and define, “the best structure for your board is the one that brings organization to its activities and promotes efficiency in the process.”
-- Part 3, looks at how we must recruit and develop effective board leaders. This starts by looking at, “…if you want to recruit people who are serious about governing the organization, you must take recruitment seriously.” However, it also looks at how to develop strong board members that are effective, that address “issues, keeps the mission clear, uses funds wisely, and makes board meetings enjoyable.”
-- Through the fourth part of this book, we explore the board and committee meetings. The authors look at how to hold and facilitate good meetings, having clear boundaries, and understandable processes. They clearly point out, “The board chair is the key figure in keeping the board focused on its governance role.”
-- In the fifth part of the book, the authors explore how the board is “entrusted with guarding the organization’s assets and reputation,” and as a result “board members must make prudent decisions that are in the best interest of the organization, without subjecting it to unnecessary risk.” This really looks at the fiduciary responsibilities of the board.
-- Next, the authors look at board-staff relations, and what it means to facilitate a healthy collaboration. In this chapter, the authors help readers see that “The board – led by the board chair – thinks and acts strategically, by setting the direction for the organization and establishing guidelines for it to follow. On the other hand, “the staff – led by the chief executive – thinks and acts operationally, by finding the most efficient and effective means of implementing the board’s direction within the guidelines.” It is worthy to note that together, it’s about communicating a unified collaboration, because “the most successful organizations foster a “we’re in this together” environment among board and staff.”
-- Part 7, the last part of the book, perhaps the weakest of all the sections, briefly looks at how change and transition take place in an organization and how to go about it in more effective, communicative, and healthy ways.
The Nonprofit Board Answer Book by BoardSource, released through Jossey-Bass, boasts a reader-friendly format that facilitates easy navigation and quick access to information. With its question-and-answer layout, readers can swiftly locate answers to specific queries, making it a practical reference tool for board members and chief executives alike. Each section of the book is structured systematically, covering fundamental topics such as board functions, structure, member selection, meeting management, fiduciary responsibilities, and board-staff relations. This organized approach ensures clarity and coherence throughout the book, enhancing its readability and usefulness as a comprehensive guide for nonprofits.
It is one of the more exhaustive and informative books I have read on this topic, using fact and responsibility, over opinion. This book serves as an indispensable resource for anyone involved in nonprofit leadership and governance. Its thorough exploration of key topics coupled with actionable insights and suggested action steps make it an invaluable companion for both novice and experienced board members and executives. I recommend utilizing this book as a foundational resource in board development programs, executive leadership training, and ongoing governance discussions within nonprofit organizations. Even pastors will find information from this for their boards, committees, and leadership teams.
February 28, 2025
Incredibly useful resource for nonprofit organizations, with both broad and detailed information for orgs of all sizes and stages. Yes, some information is specific to certain specific situations and types of nonprofit, so not every element is relevant to every org. But you are guaranteed to find something that IS directly relevant and useful for your org. And it will be spelled out in clear and sensible language, and likely broken down into useful component parts or steps. Highly recommended as a resource for anyone who is a non profit board member, director, staff and/or volunteer member.
June 6, 2018
Comprehensive reference guide to nonprofit board functioning. There are sections on Basic Board Functions, Board Structure, Board Recruitment and Development, Board and Committee Meetings, the Board's Role as a Fiduciary, Board-Staff Relations, and Organizational Change. It's definitely too much to read start to finish or in one sitting! The book is structured in the form of questions and responses so nonprofit staff or board members can deepen their understanding as questions come up.
May 21, 2018
Great resource. Extremely through, appreciated the organization around different subject areas: Basic Board Functions, Board Structure, Board Recruitment, etc. Useful for anyone building a nonprofit board or participating on a board.
July 18, 2020
The wealth of knowledge presented demands at least two readings to absorb. The 5 stages of a non-profit and accompanying explanation is worth the price of the book by itself. Read it, let it sink in, then read it again.
August 15, 2020
Great resource! Easy-to-read question and answer format.
January 1, 2022
Very comprehensive guides. American-centric.
January 23, 2022
Very educational! This helpful book covered so many possible scenarios that a non-profit board may need to deal with
March 6, 2022
Great starter for building board with all the basic answers you are probably looking for right now.
June 27, 2022
Comprehensive.
April 29, 2023
Excellent
An excellent resource for any board member serious about knowing their responsibilities, and learning to effectively serve their thriving non-profit.
An excellent resource for any board member serious about knowing their responsibilities, and learning to effectively serve their thriving non-profit.
June 11, 2016
BoardSource is a leader in nonprofit governance. Having worked with thousands of nonprofit organizations, BoardSource has become the go-to resource for board members, officers, and staff in leadership skills and effective board service. This is a quick read, meant as a reference for many topics that organizations may face. Topics include Basic Board Functions, Board Structure, Board Member Selections and Development, Board and Committee Meetings, The Board's Role as Fiduciary, Board-Staff Relations, and Organizational Change.
This should be required reading for all nonprofit board members and executive staff.
This should be required reading for all nonprofit board members and executive staff.
June 11, 2009
Great resource for both new and experienced nonprofit boardmembers. This book is an excellent nonprofit board member quick-reference gudie.
July 13, 2012
Wouldn't call this a riveting read but definitely useful as a resource.
August 20, 2015
Good resource.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews