An interactive onboarding series tailored for board members who have been with their community foundations for less than two years. Four focused sessions will provide participants with the essential skills and tools they need to excel in their roles.
Some topics include:
- Understanding core responsibilities
- Strategic decision-making
- Financial stewardship
By the end of the cohort, board members will:
✓ Have gained confidence in their governance role
✓ Be better equipped to help advance the community foundation’s mission and impact within the community.
✓ Deepen relationships with peers through ongoing connection
In order to gain the full benefit of this learning experience, participants are expected to commit to all four sessions. Sessions will be recorded and shared with all participants. In the event you would like to join after the series has begun, you will receive previous session recordings.
The Sessions
February 21: Introduction to Board Governance for Community Foundations, 1 – 2 PM ET
During this introductory session, participants will explore the fundamental principles, concepts, and best practices of governance, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to their community foundation.
Objectives:
- Explore how to create a board that reflects the diversity of your community.
- Discover the legal, ethical and regulatory obligations of board members of community foundations.
- Define what a community foundation is and recognize its purpose, values, and impact on the community.
March 7: Introduction to Board Governance for Community Foundations, 1 – 2 PM ET
In this session, participants will gain an understanding of the key roles and responsibilities of board members, including fiduciary duties, strategic planning, and oversight of organizational performance. Participants will explore the dynamics of effective board collaboration, communication, and decision-making and the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive board culture.
Objectives:
- Identify key roles and responsibilities of board members within community foundations, including transparency, accountability, fiduciary duties and strategic oversight.
- Understand the importance of effective governance practices and how they contribute to the success of the organization.
- Explore the dynamics of board collaboration, communication, and decision-making to enhance board effectiveness.
March 28: Leading in Community Impact, 1 – 2 PM ET
This session will explore how to enhance board effectiveness and build relationships with community stakeholders. Participants will examine actionable strategies to increase board performance, and using resources available to strengthen community and create a positive board culture.
Objectives:
- Discover essential governance policies and best practices for effective community foundation governance.
- Explore ways to strengthen community relationships through enhanced board effectiveness.
- Learn actionable strategies to boost board performance and foster a positive board culture.
April 11: Board Self-Assessment and Continuous Improvement, 1 – 2 PM ET
In this session, participants will discuss strategies for monitoring and understanding their community foundation’s financial position. Participants will be guided through a self-assessment, including identifying key performance indicators, utilizing evaluation frameworks to measure board performance, and developing strategies for planning board succession.
Objectives
- Explore how to monitor the effectiveness of your investment policy and financial statements.
- Identify key performance indicators and evaluation frameworks to measure board performance.
- Develop strategies for facilitating constructive discussions around board strengths, challenges, and areas for growth.