The factors that contribute to the success (or failure) of nonprofits are many. Over the past month, we have taken a closer look at many of these factors. These include following through on commitments to staff and nonprofit constituents, prioritizing people over tasks, advocating for instead of simply satisfying the needs of constituents, using data to inform decisions, and using technology to take advantage of all possible venues with which to connect with all involved in the organization. In addition, we looked at how directors can help their board members to enhance organizational success by the ways in which meetings and other interactions with board members are structured in order to maximize the boards’ expertise. To learn more about this, visit here.
In addition to structuring board meetings and other interactions, leaders and directors of nonprofits have other powerful potential to positively influence the board of directors. These can be split into tasks and effective use of time. Let’s take a closer look at both.
Tasks Essential to Leaders and Directors of Nonprofits Positively Assisting Boards in their Job and the Organization Overall
- Ensuring compliance and control of organizational practices even as the organization grows, changes, and increases in complexity
- Ensuring financial practices are in place, monitored, upheld, and secure
- Helping structure, navigate, and implement the strategic direction of the nonprofit and being sure operations are matching intended goals and outcomes
- Building capability for the future by guiding current practices, future decisions, and daily operations well in addition to evaluating prior actions for effectiveness
Tips Essential to Leaders and Directors of Nonprofits Using Time with Board Members Effectively
- Carefully plan interactions, meetings, and prioritization of tasks/decisions that need to be done/made
- Manage expectations of what can be achieved in the time given to make strategic decision-making possible instead of challenging by not overwhelming board members but still wisely using instead of wasting time
- Use opportunities for conversation unrelated to actual board meetings (such as dinners or other gatherings) to gain better overall insight into board members and their skill sets in order to better leverage the talents they possess
- Think strategically about what the board truly needs to hear about and be involved in versus what can be handled within the organization’s daily operations instead. The ultimate waste of valuable time is spending it on areas that are unnecessary and not seeking guidance and direction in areas that are essential to success.
- Use technology effectively to communicate with board members in a convenient way that also keeps communication flowing. This means using emails or other forms of communication for check-ins between scheduled board meetings. In addition, this can involve telephone and video conferencing to make it possible for meetings to occur without requiring everybody to be in the same place at the same time in order for a meeting to be held.
Beck and Company Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors know that achieving success as a nonprofit and positively impacting board members are no easy feats. That is why we are here to help. Needing to focus on so many people (including board members) even with time limitation plus carrying out important tasks makes it hard to also need to focus time and energy on the financial side of operations. We can help with this aspect so you can focus on the others areas that will help you be successful. Beck and Company CPAs offer a large variety of financial services that are tailored to nonprofit needs. For more information on these nonprofit services, visit here.
Contact us here at Beck and Company CPAs to request financial nonprofit service offerings or to get more information on how to help your board and constituents in order to be successful as a nonprofit.