As an officer on a nonprofit board, you are responsible for providing legal and financial oversight. This ensures that the organization is operating within its means and is in conformity with state, local and federal laws. Your responsibilities also include putting the interests of the organization above your own. Likewise, it is your responsibility to report any conflicts of interests.
Nonprofit boards assist nonprofits in a variety of ways, including by enhancing their culture by focusing on their strategic goals, and ensuring financial sustainability. They also act as advocates and ambassadors to promote the mission of the organization.
The mission of a non-profit organization should be clearly communicated to its volunteers, staff supporters, donors, and other constituents, and that communication is only possible through advocacy. A board that is passionate and dedicated is more likely than not to remain active and help the organization thrive.
The board is also responsible for establishing and adhering to an annual budget, as well as establishing policies that guide the management of the employees and donors of the organization. The public’s trust in the nonprofit is crucial to its success.
Nonprofit boards also have to oversee a chief executive officer, who is the ultimate authority of the day-to-day operations of the nonprofit. In smaller nonprofits it is possible that volunteer directors serve as employees, but this arrangement could quickly become unsustainable and prevent the board from being focused on governance and oversight. To be more effective, the board should assign responsibilities to committees, and these committees should report to the entire board.