Standards for Excellence
Nonprofit Advocacy Works! Success in Protecting or Expanding Important Protections and Services
Nonprofit advocates achieved major successes in the recently ended 2018 General Assembly Session. The Legislature restored planned budget cuts to providers of critical services, and to important programs. There was significant progress on numerous policy...
What is a Conflict of Interest?
Nonprofits enjoy the public’s trust, and therefore must comply with a diverse array of legal and regulatory requirements. Organizations should conduct periodic reviews to address regulatory and fiduciary concerns. One of leadership’s fundamental responsibilities is to...
I’m a Nonprofit Executive Director. Can My Board Hire or Fire an Employee or Tell Me Who to Hire or Fire?
The board is responsible for hiring, evaluating, and, if needed, firing the executive director (ED). Though not illegal, the board should not be involved in hiring, evaluating or firing any other employee. This is the responsibility of the executive director and, if...
Can Nonprofit Executive Directors Serve on the Board?
Best practices suggest that it is not a good idea to have the Executive Director playing such a role within the organization, whether the position is a voting or non-voting position. Keep in mind the following precautions if the organization decides to place its...
To Whom Does a Nonprofit Executive Director Report?
The executive director reports to the board, with the chief liaison being the chair of the board. This is the body that hires the ED, monitors and evaluates that person’s performance, and directs the search for a new chief executive if that becomes necessary. The ED...
What is a Nonprofit Executive Director’s Job?
One way to look at an executive director’s responsibilities is through the same lens as that of the board. In the best of worlds, the two entities operate as a team to advance the organization and its purpose. In this context, BoardSource, a national nonprofit devoted...
Can a Nonprofit Organization Contract with a Board Member for Services?
Attorneys, accountants, and other professionals can contribute valuable expertise to a board. In the best-case scenario, it would be nice if their services would be given voluntarily. However, that is not always feasible. The underpinnings of the policy that allows...
Can a Conflict of Interest be an Obstacle to Serving on a Nonprofit’s Board?
It is probably impossible to find a board member who will never have a conflict of interest. An active board member often has numerous professional and personal affiliations and, undoubtedly, some of them cross paths with your organization. He or she may have been...
Conflicts of Interest: Manageable…Unless They’re Not Conflicts of Interest
Guest Blog by Ruth Masterson, Consultant, Masterson Consulting All nonprofits—whether foundation or charity—have conflicts of interest that come up during the normal course of doing business. And all nonprofits should be able to recognize and manage these conflicts...
What Policies Does My Nonprofit Need?
Nonprofit organizations should adopt policies, approved by the board of directors that provide clear guidance on a range of legal, financial, human resources and other areas. The Standards for Excellence® Educational Resource Packets provide a thorough set of...