Giving Compass' Take:

• Nanette Fridman, writing for eJewish Philanthropy, discusses the next steps for nonprofit boards and how they can stay focused on long-term planning amid the pandemic. 

• How are you supporting the work of nonprofit boards? 

• Read more about board leadership and governance here. 

Impressive. Since mid-March, your board chair and your CEO/ED have provided invaluable leadership. Attendance at your regular and emergency board meetings has never been better. Board members are engaged, and volunteering their time and expertise in financial modeling, medicine, construction and design, human relations, and loan preparation in unimaginable ways. You are on scenario plan G… or is it H? You steered your organization through rough waters and accomplished a lot!

There was little or no summer break, so not only do you approach September unrefreshed, but your board chair and members, the CEO/ED, and the organization’s staff are drained and exhausted.

While we wait (and wait, and wait….) for a vaccine, how can the board keep up this pace, and stay focused on the issues related to Covid; its regular oversight work; and long-term planning and projects like strategic planning, campaigns and exploring collaboration?

  1.  Recognize and Appreciate the Heroic Efforts.
  2. Clarify Roles for Task Forces, Committees, and Individual Board Members.
  3. Recenter Your Board. 
  4. Rework Your Board Materials and Agendas. 
  5. Set Short-term, Medium-term, and Long-term Goals.
  6. Radically Prioritize.
  7. Update Your Board Communication Strategy. 

Your work and your organization’s mission should be a source of great inspiration. Take a deep breath; reflect on this journey we’ve been on since March; be proud of all you’ve accomplished; and get ready for a busy fall. Governance matters, especially under these circumstances.

Read the full article about nonprofit boards by Nanette Fridman at eJewish Philanthropy.