The Centre for Board Governance Resources
We've done the digging for you and collected the best information for not-for-profit boards from a variety of reputable sources.
Browse the subjects included in our collection here.
Section 0 - General
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Ten Questions Every Board Needs to Ask Itself. Now available on amazon…
Catalytic Questions. Excellent questions to spark discussion. No logic or data is required!
Best Practices Materials for Non-Profit Boards. An excellent place to begin your search for exceptional free resources.
Governance in Crown Corporations & Other Public Enterprises. An excellent introduction to roles and responsibilities from the Government of Canada.
Cut to the Chase: Public Library Governance. Exceptional, succinct summary of leadership by design for Ontario public library boards. A great model too.
Guide to Board Governance in the Digital Age. Five best practices for this new era of digital transformation, remote work and virtual board meetings.
Leading with Intent: BoardSource Index of Nonprofit Board Practices. Roles and oversight practices and how well boards perform.
CDA Not-for-Profit Governance Roadmap. Rethink what you know about governance. A survey of directors in Australia with a plan for improvement.
Board Resourcing and Development. Best practices from the Government of British Columbia.
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Public Library InterLink Board of Directors' Governance Manual. A very good model, with a delineation of roles, structures and executive authority.
Section 1 - Purpose
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Asset-Based Community Development. The four essential elements and what is distinctive about a focus on assets.
What is Community Development? We talk about it but what is it? Here are the foundations of practice in a PowerPoint presentation.
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The Public Library Sector in Ontario. This is more of a model of how to place your board and sector in the context of government and associations.
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Nine Characteristics of a Mission Statement. To foster involvement and motivation, you need a compelling mission statement. Herein, an infographic.
Mind the Gap. Mission Accomplishment Measures. What are yours?
Mission Statement vs Vision Statement. Mission, vision, and values statements are vital and should be distinct yet connected.
Vision Statements: The Ultimate Guide. What it is. Why it is important. Plus examples.
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The Importance of Mission, Vision, Values. These are key elements of your strategic planning and must be approved by the board.
Section 2 - Board/CEO Partnership
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Executive Director Communication to the Board. A sample policy outlining expectations.
Board-Staff Interaction: What’s Acceptable, What’s Not? You Ask, We Answer. When each side wants to sidestep the CEO…
Responsibility Overview: Board & Executive Directors/Staff. A useful one-page chart of what does (or is supposed to do) what.
What is a Board-Oriented CEO?. Herein a bundle of resources of Proven Principles and Practices for Board Chairs and Their CEOs (see page 4).
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Are You Kind or Nice? Nice keeps the peace. Kind builds trust. Here is an infographic with suggestions.
Board Chair and Chief Executive Communications.A FAQ to foster improved communications and handle problems.
Board Chair and Chief Executive Partnership. A handy chart of who does what, and what is shared.
Board Chair and Executive Director Partnership Check-Up. Biggest fans and greatest critics? Here are three markers.
Proven Principles and Practices for Board Chairs and Their CEO. A 29-page bundle of resources to navigate the critical partnership.
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Hiring and Performance Appraisal of the Executive Director. A comprehensive (74-pages!) self-guided workbook.
Hiring the Right Executive Director for Your Organization: One Size Does Not Fit All. Especially useful for the pre-search steps.
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Competencies Profile for Public Library CEO. It is useful for most sectors, And well-organized but somewhat overwhelming. A useful checklist for planning.
Political Presence - Speaking Truth to Power. Creating the environment to be successful politically.
Common Responsibilities for Nonprofit Executive Directors. A one-page infographic of the eight major responsibilities.
10 Things a New Senior Leader Must Know. Useful advice not found in competency lists.
6 Core Competencies of Nonprofit Chief Executives. Includes a brief description of each.
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Board Checklist for Establishing a Chief Executive Compensation Plan. A one-page summary of the key considerations.
Compensation of Employees in the Charitable Sector. Be sure to invest enough if you want to have an impact.
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CEO Performance Evaluation Template. A brief outline providing for self-assessment and feedback.
Evaluating Your Executive Director's Performance. Why, how and what to include.
How to Conduct a Chief Executive Performance Assessment in 10 Steps. A useful focus on board processes for greater success.
Performance Appraisal of the Chief Administrative Officer. A systematic approach for a city manager postion.
CAO Performance Evaluation Toolkit: CAO Guide. A process, not an event, from the perspective of the Chief Administrative Officer, the one being evaluated.
CAO Performance Evaluation Toolkit: Mayor & Council Guide. And this from the perspective of those doing the evaluation.
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Avoiding the Glass Cliff: Advice to Boards of Preparing for and Supporting a New Leader of Color. Some considerations are similar, some not.
Sample Policy: Emergency Executive Director Succession. One of the biggest but less obvious risk management areas.
Emergency Leadership Transition Plan. Includes the need for communications and financial planning.
Executive Transition Timeline. Prepare, pivot, thrive.
Organizational Contingency Inventory Worksheet. Especially useful for the documents to have in place.
Section 3 - Roles & Structure of the Board
3.1 Types of Boards
3.2 Functions & Structures
3.3 Board Role & Responsibilities
3.4 Role of the Board Member
3.5 Role of the Chair
3.6 Code of Conduct
Section 4 - Intentional Practices
4.1 Intentional Practices - General
4.2 Effective Meetings
4.3 Meeting Rules of Order
4.4 Agendas and Minutes
4.5 Consent Agendas
4.6 Context for Meetings
4.7 Board Culture
Section 5 - Strategic Planning & Policy Development
5.1 Strategic Planning
5.1 Plan - Implementation & Monitoring
5.3 Policy - Development, Monitoring, Review
5.4 Partnerships - Community Partnerships
Section 6- Ensuring Sustainable Resources
6.1 Advocacy
6.2 Plan - Influence
6.3 Board Capacity
6.4 Partnerships - Government Relations
6.5 Fundraising
Section 7 - Oversight & Accountability. Measurement.
7.1 Accountability
7.2 Key Success Factors
7.3 Policy - Outcomes
Section 8 - Oversight & Accountability. Financial & Legal
8.1 Legal Requirements
8.2 Bylaws. Policies
8.3 Fiduciary Oversight. Audits.
8.4 Financial Literacy
8.5 Budget Development. Presentation.
8.6 Risk Management
Section 9 - Inquiry & Transparency
9.1 Fostering Inquiry
9.2 Board Profile
9.3 Fostering Public Engagement
9.4 External Communications
9.5 Annual Reports
Section 10 - Board Development & Revitalization
10.1 Renewal & Revitalization
10.2 Recruitment of New Members
10.3 Onboarding & Orientation
10.4 Education & Training
10.5 Self-Assessments & Continual Improvement
