Information Bulletins

The Board Development Program publishes information bulletins on a variety of board-related issues. Each of the information bulletins published covers a special topic area that is relevant for not-for-profit board members and senior staff seeking information about improving skills and gaining knowledge in the area of governance. The information provided in each information bulletin, including contact names and number, has been reviewed for currency.

 

Advocacy

Advocacy can be defined as promoting awareness and understanding of a cause or the ability to change public opinion, and cause a shift in people’s perceptions or understanding of an issue. Advocacy is a frame of mind and board members have an important role to play in being advocates for their organization.

PDF Version (65kb)

Budgeting for Not-for-Profit Boards

Good budgeting is the key to good financial management. Budgeting can help an organization to set priorities and assist the organization to control expenditures, and forecast sources and timing of revenues. Although there may be one or more person in the organization who prepares the budget, all board members are equally responsible for management of the group’s finances.

PDF Version (65kb)

Building Better Boards

Board Members: How do you get them? And then, how do you keep them? This information bulletin is dedicated to recruiting the most appropriate volunteers to serve on your board and keeping them motivated and satisfied with their board experience.

PDF Version (59kb)

Committees

A committee is the workhorse of a board. The board organizes and completes its work efficiently through the effective use of committees. This information bulletin contains material on committee reporting, terms of reference and levels of authority.

PDF Version (65kb)

Developing Policy

All governing boards are responsible for policy development. This information bulletin provides information on the key areas of policy development and the process to follow in developing effective policy.

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Effective Organizations Call For Effective Chairs

Effective leadership is key to the quality of any successful organization. A not-for-profit group is no exception. This information bulletin is dedicated to the role of the Board Chair, who is responsible for establishing and maintaining an environment that encourages people to participate in board meetings and throughout the organization.

PDF Version (79kb)

Evaluating Your Executive Director's Performance

A key responsibility of the board is to evaluate the performance of the Executive Director. To be effective, this evaluation needs to be carried out on a regular basis, and in a planned and thoughtful manner. This information bulletin includes guidelines for implementing such a process in your organization.

PDF Version (57kb)

Financial Responsibilities of Not-For-Profit Boards

The management of an organization’s finances is one of the least understood, yet most important responsibilities of a board member. Collectively, the board carries the responsibility for funds entrusted to it, but each individual board member shares in this responsibility.

PDF Version (47kb)

Hiring the Right Executive Director for Your Organization: One Size Does Not Fit All

The Executive director plays a pivotal role in your organization’s overall success or failure. This information bulletin will help you understand the needs of your organization and the various steps in hiring an executive director which will result in a good match for all.

PDF Version (54kb)

Maximize Your Time and Efforts - Collaborate!

This information bulletin deals with ways that organizations can pool their time and talents in order to maximize their effectiveness in meeting community needs.

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Meetings that Work

Effective and efficient meetings do require a bit of planning and a little effort to stay on track. This information bulletin covers what you need to know to get the most out of your meetings.

PDF Version (70kb)

Roles and Responsibilities of Not-For-Profit Boards

This information bulletin is dedicated to giving board members of not-for-profit groups a clear picture of what the board does and the responsibilities of being a board member.

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So You Want to be a Board Member

Being a board member can be one of the greatest adventures of your life. Your participation can change your life and you can change your community for the better. This information bulletin provides material that should help you make an informed decision about joining a board.

PDF Version (87kb)

Strategic Planning and Governance

The role of the board in strategic planning is very important. Strategic planning increases the organization’s ability to expect and respond to changing political, economic and social conditions. This information bulletin provides you with information to get started on the strategic planning process.

PDF Version (69kb)

Sustaining Healthy Boards

Behind most effective not-for-profit organizations is a healthy board with an understanding of what it takes to lead in challenging times. This information bulletin discusses what makes a healthy board, how it can keep itself strong and dynamic and able to deal with difficult challenges.

PDF Version (62kb)

The Board's Role in Fund Development

If your organization needs to raise private sector funds, either from philanthropic or sponsorship sources, and whether or not, you have staff to do the job, successful fundraising is a team sport that involves board volunteer Board leadership and competent, professional staff working together.

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Understanding Financial Statements

All board members need to be able to read and understand the financial statement of their organization. This information bulletin provides simple explanations to make this task easier.

PDF Version (65kb)

Where, Oh Where Did Our Membership Go?

Membership may be considered a source of income, a source of volunteer workers or a source of help for community advocacy. Whatever your organization's motiviation for increasing its membership, this information bulletin will provide you with seven steps to help you recruit and retain members.

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Writing a Grant Proposal

This Information Bulletin will help take some of the stress out of preparing a grant application. The step-by-step outline will assist board members to target the information needed and develop more productive relationships with funders.

PDF Version (65kb)

 

Want to reprint?

Feel free to reprint any of the articles in our information bulletins, as long as you meet the following conditions:

  • Credit and/or cite the source of the article(s)
  • Send us a copy of the publication that the article(s) is/are reprinted in

The Board Development Program reserves the right to deny reprinting privileges.

Last reviewed/revised: May 9, 2012