Understanding board practices of large nonprofit

Transcript:Understanding board practices of large nonprofit:
Understanding board practices of large nonprofit networks Updated April 2017 Note: This information was developed as of April 2017: many of these boards have continued to evolve since then. We evaluated 11 large network nonprofits to understand their boards and gain insights American Cancer Society American Heart Association Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Alzheimer’s Association National Multiple Sclerosis Society Y-USA Easterseals Feeding America Boys & Girls Clubs of America The Nature Conservancy Human Rights Campaign 6_89 7_89 Leading vha organizations Other networks There are three areas of analysis key to understanding board effectiveness 8_89 9_89 10_89 structure composition procedures Size of board Use of and alignment with ancillary boards Nomination and selection of board members and chair, and their term limits Committees (chartered or created) Representation requirements Overall board profile (e.g., a skills or composition matrix) Diversity profile Frequency of meetings Involvement in fundraising Roles in decisions Communication and approval methods Talent evaluation and management (board and senior staff) Understanding boards across these areas of analysis allowed us to identify insights and effective practices Agenda 12_88 Structure Composition Procedures Observations Large network organizations have between 16 and 47 voting members Note: TNC has 24 listed, but one member is on a leave of absence Source: Organization websites / annual reports / 990s and interviews 16 Dark shade indicates current number of board members Light shade is maximum allowable number of board members 23 26 Large VHA organizations have between 21 and 40 voting members Dark shade indicates current number of board members 31 23 Light shade is maximum allowable number of board members 37 Source: Organization websites / annual reports / 990s and interviews 27 The overall size of the board may be increased by non-voting members Source: Organization websites / annual reports / 990s Most organizations offer non-voting board seats with an honorific designation (e.g., Honorary Life Member, Emeritus) These include: Alzheimer’s Association, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Y-USA, Easterseals, Feeding America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America A few organizations do not have non-voting members, but may still offer an honorific title such as “Life Member” These include: American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, The Nature Conservancy Most large nonprofit networks have separate related boards or councils 13_85 Source: Organization websites and interviews Most VHAs have a national medical or science advisory board 6_85 Source: Organization websites and interviews Board members typically serve 2 – 3