Non-profit organizations rely on a highly functioning Board of Directors to meet their mission. They are looking for individuals who are committed to their cause, have connections with those they serve and have experience overseeing the business affairs at one time.

Professionals from all kinds of organizations and businesses sit on non-profit boards. It’s a great opportunity to network, acquire new skills and contribute positively to the community.

According to a Korngold study, 78% of board members said that their participation on a non-profit board had helped them gain an understanding of other perspectives and opinions different from their own. This is vital in a non-profit board environment where decisions are made with limited resources, and the board my latest blog post must make informed financial decisions.

Nonprofit board members have several legal responsibilities and obligations which include the Duty of Care as well as the Duty of Loyalty. Board members must avoid conflicts and avoid abusing their positions by making use of funds from nonprofit organizations to gain personal gain. If you own the company that employs the executive director, and the board is voting to increase the salary for the director, you must abstain because you have a conflict.

In addition, many nonprofits have permanent (sometimes called “standing”) committees that take care of ongoing issues and other particular needs that arise. These committees are staffed with board members that must report possible conflicts of interest to the other board members.