As an officer on a nonprofit board you are responsible to provide legal and financial oversight. These duties ensure that the organization is operating within its budget and is in compliance with state, local and federal directory laws. You must also consider the interests of the organization above your own interests. It is your duty to disclose any conflicts of interest.
Nonprofit boards assist nonprofits in a variety ways, including by improving their culture by focusing on their strategic goals and ensuring financial sustainability. They act as ambassadors for the mission and activities of the organization.
The mission of a nonprofit must be clearly communicated to its staff, volunteers supporters, donors, and other constituents and communication can only happen through advocacy. A board that is enthusiastic and dedicated will be more likely than not to remain active and help the organization thrive.
The board is also accountable in establishing and implementing an annual budget, and also establishing policies that guide the management of the employees and donors of the organization. The trust of the public in the nonprofit is crucial to its success.
Nonprofit boards must also oversee the chief executive officer, who is the ultimate authority of running the day-today operations for the nonprofit. In smaller nonprofits, it’s possible that volunteer directors also work as employees, but this model can quickly become ineffective and prevent the board from focusing entirely on governance and oversight. To make the most of their time, the board should assign responsibilities to committees, and the committees should report to the entire board.