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“The outstanding board constantly evaluates itself and keeps improving. It reviews the organization's mission annually and re-energizes itself through retreats and other activities. It invites outside expertise and educates itself in best practices.”

Joanne Fritz, Guide to Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations at About.com

Board Development for Nonprofits

Your board of directors can and should be your nonprofit’s strongest asset, a fund of capital in the form of brainpower, reputation, resources, and access. Rarely, though, is this capital used to maximum effect.

Boards come in many shapes and sizes, but all have a fiduciary responsibility for sound governance of the organization. Beyond their basic legal responsibilities, boards also must be fundraisers-in-chief, finding money to keep the mission alive. Many boards shy away from this collective task, letting one or two members carry most of the burden.

My Dutch Uncle works with your staff to tap your board’s full potential, developing strategies that equip directors to become efficient governors as well as prime fundraisers. Our holistic approach to board education and development starts with evaluating your board’s effectiveness and identifying steps to address specific challenges. We provide a workshop experience for boards and selected staff, in settings that range from a full-day off-site retreat to presentations at regular board meetings.

Topics explored in our board development training include:

  • Board governance versus staff management
  • Every board member a star fundraiser
  • Committee structure that works
  • Models for board self-evaluation
  • Nurturing productive board–staff relationships
  • The CEO and the board: a marriage made in heaven or hell?
  • Board recruitment: a multifaceted approach that operates continually to keep the board strong