The following books are recommended because of their highly practical nature and often
because they include a wide range of information about this Library topic. Also, a convenient search window is included below the rows of books. As an Amazon Associate, Authenticity Consulting, LLC may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.
The following books are recommended because of their highly practical nature and often
because they include a wide range of information about this Library topic. Also, a convenient search window is included below the rows of books. As an Amazon Associate, Authenticity Consulting, LLC may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.
by Carter McNamara, published by Authenticity Consulting, LLC.
Well-developed nonprofit programs are based on research to verify unmet community needs, how those needs can be met through programs,
how clients can best access the programs, what clients and others are willing to pay for the programs, and potential
competitors and collaborators. Funders expect to see this level of research from nonprofits applying for funding.
This book provides step-by-step guidelines for conducting relevant — and especially realistic and flexible — market research.
Includes many online forms that can be downloaded.
The following books are recommended because of their highly practical nature and often
because they include a wide range of information about this Library topic. Also, a convenient search window is included below the rows of books. As an Amazon Associate, Authenticity Consulting, LLC may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.
Nonprofit-Specific Business Planning
If you are starting a nonprofit organization, then you would be better to get a book on nonprofit strategic planning, than a book
on business planning. Nonprofit business plan books are better focused on a particular program or service, than on the entire organization.
A strategic planning book is better for focusing on an entire organization.
by Carter McNamara, published by Authenticity Consulting, LLC.
Nonprofit business planning often is focused on a specific program, rather than on the overall organization.
(Planning focused on the overall organization is usually strategic planning.) There are few books, if any,
that explain how to carefully plan, organize and develop a nonprofit program.
Also, too many books completely separate the highly integrated activities of planning, marketing and evaluating programs.
This book integrates all three into a comprehensive, straightforward approach that anyone can follow in order to
provide high-quality programs with strong appeal to funders. Includes many online forms that can be downloaded.
by Rolfe Larson, published by Fieldstone Alliance.
Provide step-by-step guidelines to identify and implement the best ideas to generate more revenue to further your
nonprofit mission. Ideas can come from current or new services — many nonprofits are already providing
critical services from which they could generate more revenue. The movement of social entrepreneurship,
including earned-income generation, is becoming a must for every nonprofit to consider.
Many funders greatly appreciate nonprofits generating more income — this book shows you how!
by Carter McNamara, published by Authenticity Consulting, LLC.
If you intend your nonprofit business planning to cover the entire organization, then you probably need
strategic planning as much as, if not more than, business planning. This book provides step-by-step guidelines
to customize and facilitate planners to implement the best strategic planning process to suit the particular nature
and needs of their nonprofit. This is one of the few books, if any, that explains how to actually facilitate planning.
Includes many online forms that can be downloaded and used by planners.
The following books are recommended because of their highly
practical nature and often because they include a wide range of
information about this Library topic. Also, a convenient search window is included below the rows of books. As an Amazon Associate, Authenticity Consulting, LLC may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.
The following books are recommended because of their highly practical nature and often
because they include a wide range of information about this Library topic. To get more information about
each book, just click on the image of the book. Also, a “bubble” of information might be displayed. You can click
on the title of the book in that bubble to get more information, too.
The following books are recommended because of their highly practical nature and often
because they include a wide range of information about this Library topic. Also, a convenient search window is included below the rows of books. As an Amazon Associate, Authenticity Consulting, LLC may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.
Mergers and Acquisitions
The following books are recommended because of their highly practical nature and often
because they include a wide range of information about this Library topic. Also, a convenient search window is included below the rows of books. As an Amazon Associate, Authenticity Consulting, LLC may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.
The following books are recommended because of their highly practical nature and often
because they include a wide range of information about this Library topic. Also, a convenient search window is included below the rows of books. As an Amazon Associate, Authenticity Consulting, LLC may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.
Vast majority of content
in this topic applies to for-profits and nonprofits. This book also covers this topic.
One of the best ways to ensure effective board committees is
through use of a committee work plan. The plan specifies goals
for the committee, strategies to meet the goals and timelines
for completion of the goals. The goals of the committee should
be closely aligned with achieving the strategic goals determined
during strategic planning. Essentially, the work plans specify
the operational goals of the committee for the year.
A work plan is the plan that each Board committee and relevant
staff members reference to guide completion of their portion of
the organization’s strategic plan, e.g., the Finance Committee
works from Finance work plan, Marketing Committee from a Marketing
work plan, etc. The plan references the related goal(s) from the
strategic plan. Work plans include objectives that, in total,
implement the respective strategy. For example, the following
work plan describes two strategies, 3.1 and 3.2, which, together,
meet Goal 3 from the strategic plan. Each of the two strategies
has five objectives, including 1.1 to 1.5. (See Strategic
Planning.)
The following sample represents one example of the format and
content of a work plan. This sample should be customized to the
particular culture and purpose of the organization.
Year 2011 Actions
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Strategy 3.1: Develop Strategic Plan
3.1.1. recruit consultant help
—
3.1.2 planning with chief executive
—
—
—
3.1.3 draft first version of strategic plan
—
3.1.4 board review of plan
—
3.1.5 obtain board approval of plan
—
2000 Actions
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Strategy 3.2: Implement Strategic Plan
Responsibility: Board
To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may
want to review some related topics, available from the link below.
Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.
Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been
selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.
Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to Board Training
In addition to the articles on this current page, see the following blogs which have posts related to Board Training. Scan down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also see the section “Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog.
Board training conveys the knowledge and understanding needed by board members in order to effectively carry out their roles as members of the organization’s board of directors. Selection of the particular training topics and training methods depend on the nature and needs of the organization. However, the following guidelines and sample agenda may prove useful to readers as they develop their own approach to board training.
Guidelines to Prepare Board Training
Regarding Timing of the Session
1. Conduct board training once a year, whether you have new board members or not. It’s amazing how the “basics” helps to ground and integrate the knowledge and understanding of even highly experienced board members. Recurring training also helps to ensure that board members are all “working from the same script”.
2. Conduct board training shortly after new members are elected to the board. This scheduling helps new members quickly gain understanding of their roles and contributions to the organization. This understanding often increases their participation and fulfillment regarding their roles as board members.
Who Should Be Involved in Planning the Session
3. Design of the board training should include at least the chief executive officer and board chair. Ideally, the organization also has a board development committee whose chair can provide strong participation in the training. If timing permits, discuss ideas with all board members to collect their feedback and review.
Selecting Topics and Materials for Board Training
4. Results of the board self-evaluation should be carefully considered when selecting training topics. For example, if the evaluation indicated the board members don’t understand their roles as board members, then ensure that training places strong focus on this topic during training.
5. Be sure to include review of the board manual in the training session. The manual is the key resource for members to collect, organize and reference resources needed to carry out their roles as board member. Members should take seriously their manual and the use of it.
6. Materials you’ll need often include:
a) Board manual (for an idea of contents to include in the manual, see Sample Board Manual Index)
b) Advertising and promotions materials about the organization and its programs
c) Copy of the most recent strategic plan
Members’ Preparation for Training
7. Provide the board training agenda, board manual and promotions materials to members at least two weeks before the meeting. Ask them to review the materials before the meeting.
The following agenda should be modified by the organization to meet its own nature and needs. During review of the topics marked with an “*”, provide brief presentation about the topic and then provide time for open discussion and to address questions from participants.
Topic
Leader of This Section of Meeting
Length of Time (minutes)
Welcome
Board chair
Review of agenda*
Board chair
Introduction of participants
Each person introduces themselves
Overview of organization*
Executive director reviews mission, history, programs and introduces key staff
Orientation to board manual*
Board chair
Roles and responsibilities of governing board*
Board chair reviews overview of roles, role of chief executive,
and comparison of roles of board and staff
Overview of board structure
Review listing of current officers, committees, and committee
chairs
Overview of board operations*
Board chair reviews key points from bylaws and board policies, board operations calendar, sample committee work plans, and sample meeting agenda and minutes
Review of strategic plan*
Board chair reviews format of plan, highlights from the plan
and key points about status of implementation of the plan
Administrative activities
For example, set the schedule for next year’s board meetings, refine the board operations calendar, update the list of board members, etc.
Next steps
Board chair poses reminders of upcoming activities and events
To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may want to review some related topics, available from the link below. Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.
Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.
Vast majority of content
in this topic applies to for-profits and nonprofits. This book also covers this topic.
One of the most important aspects of Board operations is Board staffing. Just like the careful staffing that is usually done
with employees, Board members should be carefully selected, trained
and evaluated, as well. In for-profits, Board members and leaders
must appreciate the strong value that Boards can bring, rather
than tolerating Boards as if they are some necessary evil to be
avoided at all costs. In nonprofits, Board members and leaders
should not approach recruitment and selection as if they are somehow
lucky just to get Board members who will show up at Board meetings.
Board members and leaders in those organizations must act as if
they deserve a very dedicated and participative Board — that
attitude alone can make a huge difference in achieving highly
effective Boards.
There are different perspectives on staffing. Some people believe
that Boards should be staffed primarily with the expertise needed
to establish and achieve current strategic goals (this is functional
staffing). Others believe that staffing should also achieve a
wide diversity of values and perspectives among members on the
Board (diversification staffing). In nonprofits, members are also
sought who have strong passion for the mission (passion-driven
staffing). We’re learning, though, that passion alone is not enough
— Board members also must have the time and energy to actively
participate in the Board. Yet another perspective is to get members
who represent the major constituents of the organization (representative
staffing).
Ironically, many people perceive for-profit Boards as being
more established and effective. Yet nonprofit Boards very often
have highly involved members who take a very strong role in establishing
strategic plans and in ensuring that those plans are achieved.
Board members of for-profit and nonprofit organizations have much
to learn from each other.
Learn More in the Library’s Blogs Related to This Topic
In addition to the articles on this current page, also see
the following blogs that have posts related to this topic. Scan
down the blog’s page to see various posts. Also see the section
“Recent Blog Posts” in the sidebar of the blog or click
on “next” near the bottom of a post in the blog. The
blog also links to numerous free related resources.
To round out your knowledge of this Library topic, you may
want to review some related topics, available from the link below.
Each of the related topics includes free, online resources.
Also, scan the Recommended Books listed below. They have been
selected for their relevance and highly practical nature.
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