The Little Book of Boards (A Board Member's Handbook for Small (and Very Small) Nonprofits)

Are you new to a board and have no idea what’s expected of you?
Do you know what a board’s seven key responsibilities are?
Do you know what your relationship with the Executive Director should be?

If not, this book is for you.

So many board members—especially of small nonprofits—want to support a nonprofit and readily accept the invitation to join the board. It’s only then that they discover they are in over their heads, with no idea of their expectations and responsibilities. The Little Book of Boards offers clear guidance for these situations.

Revised and updated, this new edition is a practical blueprint for board success providing greater insight into how to improve your board through effective recruiting, maintaining an effective working structure, tackling the practical challenges of getting things done, and motivating your executive director. It also touches on the potential and problems of leveraging AI to enhance board effectiveness.

Erik Hanberg, experienced nonprofit board member, guides you through all the fundamentals, from the basic responsibilities of board service to the all-important meeting procedures and duties in-between. The book also includes detailed resources on topics like Robert's Rules of Order, bylaws, committee structures, and board leadership.

Suitable for board members new and old, as well as entire boards seeking to enhance their effectiveness, The Little Book of Boards offers a common-sense approach that has already supported tens of thousands of nonprofits. It is a must-read for anyone wanting to maximise their leadership potential.