The Handbook of Nonprofit Governance
Essential Texts for Nonprofit and Public Leadership and Management

1. Edition April 2010
416 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
THE HANDBOOK OF NONPROFIT GOVERNANCE
From BoardSource comes The Handbook of Nonprofit Governance. This comprehensive resource explores the overarching question of governance within nonprofit organizations and addresses the roles, structures, and practices of an effective nonprofit.
The Handbook of Nonprofit Governance covers the topics that are of most importance to those charged with creating and sustaining effective leadership, including building a board; succession planning; policies; financial oversight; fundraising; planning; strategic planning processes; risk management; and evaluation of the board, CEO, and organization.
Praise for The Handbook of Nonprofit Governance
"This is the first book I've found that covers the topic of governance from A to Z. I know
what I'll be assigning the students in my governance class as a textbook next semester!"
--TERRIE TEMKIN, founding principal, CoreStrategies for Nonprofits, Inc.
"BoardSource has prepared an exceptional resource for nonprofit boards and leaders. This comprehensive volume offers timely and relevant information about board work and governance, including practical tools and resources that will be valuable to all types of nonprofits."
--DAVID O. RENZ, chair, department of public affairs; Beth K. Smith/Missouri Chair in Nonprofit Leadership; and director, Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership; University of Missouri, Kansas City
"If you are involved in nonprofit organizations, and if you ever have doubts about how they are best run, this is the book for you-and BoardSource is the place to turn."
--FISHER HOWE, consultant, Lavender/Howe & Associates, and author, The Nonprofit Leadership Team
BoardSource (formerly the National Center for Nonprofit Boards) is the premier resource for practical information, tools and best practices, training, and leadership development for board members of nonprofit organizations worldwide.
Acknowledgments xi
Introduction xv
Part One: Governance Principles, Roles, and Structure 1
1 In the Spirit of Service: Introduction to the Nonprofit World 3
2 What Is Governance? 15
3 Governance Roles 31
4 Governance Structure 55
5 The Board-Chief Executive Relationship 81
Part Two: Governance Practices 97
6 Building a Board 99
7 Legal and Ethical Responsibilities 127
8 Financial Oversight 145
9 Fundraising 167
10 Strategic Thinking and Strategic Planning 189
11 Communications and Outreach 211
12 Succession Planning and Chief Executive Transition 233
13 Evaluation 255
14 Bylaws and Policies 275
15 Board Meetings 295
16 Board Dynamics 317
Appendix: Sample Policies for Nonprofit Boards 331
Board Member Fundraising 332
Human Resources 333
Code of Ethics 335
Conflict of Interest 337
Confidentiality 341
Whistle-Blower Protection 342
Record Retention and Document Destruction 344
Executive Compensation 348
Investments 350
Financial Audits 356
Risk Management 357
Media Relations 358
Glossary 359
Resources 367
Index 375