Exceptional Children's Foundation’s Post

In the dynamic landscape of nonprofit organizations, effective governance is the bedrock upon which success is built. At the heart of this governance lies the board of directors, whose leadership and strategic guidance steer the organization towards its mission. However, without proper training and development, even the most well-intentioned boards may struggle to fulfill their roles effectively. In this post, we delve into the crucial importance of board training and why it's essential for the long-term success of nonprofits. https://lnkd.in/gDMBA3Vp

20 years ago, John Carver wrote that “that virtually all such boards, councils, and commissions, even those that are not perceived to be in trouble, are currently performing at a distressingly low percentage of their leadership potential.” Sadly, Carver’s observation is just as true today as it was when this observation drove him to create the now famous “Carver Policy Governance Model.” I would estimate that I have led, been a member of, or observed more than 1,200 board meetings over my long career (I know, it’s OK to feel a bit sorry for me). In that sample, I would say that 95% of nonprofit boards are operating at such a poor level that everyone believes that this is normal. Not even the most accomplished board members seem to question the low performing status quo of almost all nonprofit boards these days. If you are a member of a nonprofit board, question the present state of nonprofit governance. Raise the issue, seek out a Board Development consultation, and actively seek to improve your governing board’s functioning. Your beloved nonprofit is counting on you to lead at the highest level, not settle for ordinary. And, if you need help, call us at #TurningWest. We have seem it all many times over and can elevate your board to world-class performance. #BoardDevelopment #nonprofits

For those of you who’ve been on a nonprofit board, I’m curious—have you ever received formal training on your role and responsibilities? Yes or No? Let me know in the comments! #TeachingTuesdays This week at Tulane, my class is all about Board Governance! There are so many critical responsibilities that come with serving on a nonprofit board. Looking forward to your comments. #BoardGovernance #NonprofitLeadership #GovernanceMatters #BlackBridgePhilanthropic #NonprofitBoards #LeadershipDevelopment

At the heart of nonprofit governance is the board of directors, which provides oversight, strategic direction, and fiduciary responsibility to the organization. However, not all nonprofit boards are structured in the same way. In this blog post, we'll explore the different kinds of nonprofit board governance structures and delve into the role of the board in each. https://lnkd.in/dAMJMeu7

Damon Daniel, President of Impact 100 organization AdHoc Group Against Crime, has noticed a shift in traditional nonprofit funding towards trust-based philanthropy. But gaps still exist when it comes to Black-led organizations seeking funding. We met with five Black nonprofit leaders to discuss the challenges they have experienced growing their organizations and securing funding. Damon shares about the importance of investing in people who look like the communities they serve, the need for flexible funding, and the biggest obstacles that Black leaders face in this article: https://buff.ly/49iyGUS #BlackHistoryMonth

Delighted to share my experience with United Way of Massachusetts Bay Board Connection Training Program! This program was the perfect opportunity to learn and seek meaningful community leadership opportunities with local nonprofits looking to strengthen their volunteer boards. Here's a snapshot of what the program offered: 🔹 Board Membership & Governance: Delved into the critical aspects of nonprofit boards with insights from seasoned professionals and board members, helping me to gain a comprehensive overview of what it truly means to serve on a nonprofit board. 🔹Nonprofit Fundraising 101: Explored the essential skill of fundraising for board members, allowing me to learn effective fundraising techniques and understand what leading development professionals seek in board members. 🔹Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Empowered me to champion racial justice within organizations, explore the meanings of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and learn strategies to integrate these principles into board work. 🔹Nuts & Bolts: Nonprofit Finance: Got down to the nitty-gritty of nonprofit finance, covering topics like D&O insurance, the 990 form, and understanding a healthy nonprofit budget. This program equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful difference in my community while serving on a nonprofit board. I can't wait to utilize these learnings on Boards in the near future to be a catalyst for positive change! #CommunityLeadership #BoardService #UnitedWayImpact 🌟🤝🌍

Board members can be a burden..! To effectively contribute to your nonprofit organization, as a “board-member”, it's essential that board members prioritize time-commitment; or else, become a burden..! Board members, recognize the pivotal role they play in shaping community initiatives, driving positive change, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. If you happened to be a board members in nonprofit organization, it behooves you to delve into the crucial role of and provide valuable insights on effective governance. 1. "Governance as Leadership: Reframing the Work of Nonprofit Boards" by Richard P. Chait, William P. Ryan, and Barbara E. Taylor 2. "The Ultimate Board Member's Book: A 1-Hour Guide to Understanding and Fulfilling Your Role and Responsibilities" by Kay Sprinkel Grace 3. "Nonprofit Boards That Work: The End of One-Size-Fits-All Governance" by Maureen K. Robinson 4. "Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards" by Richard T. Ingram 5. "The Nonprofit Board Answer Book: A Practical Guide for Board Members and Chief Executives" by #BoardSource. #nonprofitmanagement #nonprofitleadership #nonprofitsuccess

Don’t miss Nonprofit Quarterly’s top leadership insights of 2024 (so far)! Dive into powerful topics like social justice in philanthropy, democratic leadership in nonprofits, and much more. Stay informed and ahead of the curve! 📖 Read the full roundup here: https://hubs.li/Q02S8YNT0 #Leadership #NonprofitLeadership #SocialJustice #Philanthropy #Nonprofits #2024Insights

It is great to see Black non-profit leaders being recognized by their local community and finding support in the form of tangible resources and grants. This recognition is why it's so important that those aiming to make a difference start with the nonprofits making waves in their local communities. Global change always starts at the local level! #Nonprofit #Justice #Leadership #BlackLeadership

La June Montgomery Tabron is the 61-year-old president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation — one of the oldest and largest private philanthropic foundations in the U.S., with an $8.7 billion endowment as of August 2022. Why she matters: Montgomery Tabron leads a 220-person team whose mission is helping vulnerable children by funding and partnering with nonprofits in the U.S., Mexico and Haiti, Hope writes. 1. What have you changed the most about your leadership style since starting out? (Montgomery Tabron has been CEO for a decade, and with the foundation for nearly 37 years.) "Being willing to speak more publicly around the issue [of structural racism] that we're dealing with, that we're facing, and to step into that power of influence." 2. Can you be specific? "The structural racism that exists for young children and families and people of color in our nation, and why if we were to dismantle those structures, more people would thrive, and our nation would actually be a better nation." "If we were to fully deploy all of our human capital in our nation, we create another $8 trillion of GDP by 2050," she added, citing a 2018 foundation report. 3. Our newsroom has reported on companies reluctant to talk about DEI publicly. If you were to rebrand DEI, what would you call it? "When we've spoken about this work, we've spoken about racial equity —that your outcomes are not determined by the color of your skin. Your outcomes are determined by your pursuits and your desires and your drive." At the moment, "any level of intentional representation" seems to be equated with "a lack of quality and a degradation of skill and talent," she added. "We need to definitely decouple that type of language." 4. How do you respond to critics who say there's too much discussion of race? "I would ask them more questions. … 'How does that make you feel? Is there a threat in there somewhere?' And I would try to open up a conversation to find out what the negativity is coming from." 5. You talk a lot about your own childhood. (She was the ninth child of 10, whose parents left Mississippi for Michigan in 1954 as part of the Great Migration.) What have you observed about other leaders who do the same? "Knowing my story, and understanding the nuances of that story, brings my humanity to bear in every interaction I have with another leader." "I can enter that conversation with a level of humility, but also with the level of confidence because I've had to learn to accept my story as being a powerful story."