What are the main functions of a board of directors? There are 3 main areas that a board of directors focuses their work: governance, strategic direction and accountability.
To reduce risk, most nonprofits take special care to enact the 49% rule. That means that the percentage of board members that are considered interested directors is limited to less than half of the total number of members.
The main purpose of for-profit and nonprofit entities is starkly different, but they also share one important similarity. For-profit corporations serve their shareholders, and board directors are accountable to them. Nonprofit board members serve the members of their organization, their cause and their communities.
Just as for any corporation, the board of directors of a nonprofit has three primary legal duties known as the “duty of care,” “duty of loyalty,” and “duty of obedience.”
Under the law that guides nonprofit corporations, nonprofit board members have the legal responsibility to meet their duties of care, loyalty, and obedience.
How to write a board resolution Put the date and resolution number at the top. Give the resolution a title that relates to the decision. Use formal language. Continue writing out each critical statement. Wrap up the heart of the resolution in the last statement.
A board governance/board development committee sets the pace, creates systems to wire in accountability, and ensures that the rules established for board members are followed, including ensuring that all nonprofit funds are accounted for in a transparent and compliant manner.
However, the IRS requires a minimum of three board members for tax-exempt status. Find out more. 🔑 How does a nonprofit choose board members? Look for board candidates who have passion, motivation, know-how, availability, integrity, and adaptability.