I wrote last week about my experience at the Nonprofit Business Summit, and I wanted to share more of the information I got out of what I considered to be a really fantastic conference.

One of the breakout sessions I attended was “Effective Board Development & Assessment,” which was right in line with my April Lunch & Learn and related blog.  I took away from this session the importance evaluations on a regular basis – at least annually.  It’s good practice to have board members evaluate their own performance as well as the organization’s performance as it relates to them.
 
Here are some questions board members can ask of themselves to determine how they’re measuring up:

• Do I understand and support the mission of the organization?
• Am I knowledgeable about the organization’s programs and services?
• Do I follow trends and developments related to this organization?
• Do I assist with fundraising activities?
• Do I read and understand financial statements?
• Do I recommend individuals for service to this board?
• Do I prepare for and participate in board meeting and committee meetings?
• Do I assist in the development of policies?
• Do I give a significant annual gift to the organization?
• Do I find serving in the board to be a satisfying and rewarding experience?

It’s equally important that the organization holds up its responsibilities to the board members; therefore, board members should consider the following:

• Are regular financial reports and updates on organizational activities being provided in advance of board meetings to allow time for review?
• Are board members given opportunities to discuss their questions related to the organization’s programs, goals and activities with management?
• Is the organization helping board members perform their duties by keeping them informed about issues in the industry/field in which they are working?
• Do other board members and staff respond in a straightforward manner to questions board members feel are necessary to carry out fiscal, legal and moral responsibilities to the organization?

Board members and management must have open lines of communication and agreed-upon procedures that can be followed when one party doesn’t feel the other is holding up their end of the bargain.  Regular board member assessments are extremely helpful to facilitate conversations that can lead to a better understanding of expectations on both sides of the table.

Jessica Puckett, CPA, CFE