Good Governance for Nonprofits: Developing Principles and Policies for an Effective Board

I purchased this book after reading reviews of dozens of books to help me with work I am doing as chair of a Governance Task Force for a small arts nonprofit organization. I have found the book very helpful in providing an outline of necessary steps and why they are important/necessary, and in providing a usuable/customizable template for a board manual and board policies. I have worked in nonprofit governance for many years, but I still found this to be a valuable "hands-on" tool.

Good Governance for Nonprofits takes the somewhat confusing ingredients of board governances and puts it into simple, real, applicable terms. A must read for anyone serving or managing a nonprofit board. [...]

Having served on a number of nonprofit boards this book describes very precisely how more management organization and thinking can assist those with "good intentions" who often serve on nonprofit boards and probably should not. It should be a book given to all new directors invited to join the board. Given a more structured look, nonprofits will find that they cannot continue with "it's his/her time to be on the board". The annual affirmation statement of board members should be a must for all directors as it brings a focus to why they are there and what is expected.The ideas and suggestions in the book are applicable to nonprofits of every size. While a good portion of the book is obvious and reasonable, it is unfortunate that the obvious is not always practiced by more well intentioned board members. Bringing a longer term strategic focus can only assist an organization in building a more successful future.

This is a readable and USEFUL book for all non-profits. The principles are solid and are adaptable to organizations at any and all stages of growth and development. The authors encourage the quest for good governance as a journey for the board to take together. Their willingness to share their many significant handouts is appreciated for it not only saves work to re-create them but they are a representation of the authors' learning discovery and wisdom. I highly commend it to all who work with non-profits.

This is a practical "add-water-and-stir" book with everything you need for developing a Board Policy Manual. I am recommending it to all of my nonprofit clients.