Foundations of Board Governance

Nonprofit boards carry the highest level of legal authority and fiduciary responsibility for the organizations they govern. Every board member is accountable for ensuring the organization is compliant, financially responsible, and operating in alignment with its mission. Yet many board members begin their service without clear training on their legal duties, governance role, or expectations. This recorded workshop provides a clear, practical introduction to the essential principles of nonprofit board governance. Designed for both new and experienced board members, this on-demand training explains what board members are legally required to do, what effective boards actually focus on, and how strong governance supports organizational stability and impact. Participants will learn the core responsibilities of nonprofit boards and gain tools that can be applied immediately to strengthen board performance, accountability, and leadership. Topics Covered The legal duties of board members, including duty of care, loyalty, and obedience The proper role of the board vs. the role of staff Characteristics of effective, high-functioning boards Setting clear expectations, goals, and priorities for the board Board recruitment, composition, and succession planning Building healthy and productive board–executive director relationships Oversight, accountability, and monitoring organizational performance Conflicts of interest, ethics, and risk management This recording is part of Nonprofit Network’s core governance training series and is intended to provide plain-language, practical guidance grounded in real nonprofit experience. The session can be used for individual learning, full board training, or new member orientation.