Nonprofit Board Service for the GENIUS is a first-of-its kind reference for the millions of people who are seeking to serve on a nonprofit board or already serve on one. It is a fun, informative read that candidly highlights a board member's ups and downs. Perfect for the novice, the veteran who needs a refresher, or the executive director looking to take the group to a higher level; it has been acclaimed by experts as the resource that the sector been waiting for.

The book takes the reader through the process of searching for a board, the first year of membership, into the leadership realm, and beyond. It is ideal for these purposes:

Decision-making tool for finding the right board
Board orientation takeaway
Board meeting reference
Board development resource
Executive director training
Nonprofit training text

The book and its appendices contain a number of templates and sample documents that will help any nonprofit strengthen its value.

Nonprofit Board Service for the GENIUS moves sequentially through the stages of nomination, early candidacy, and more advanced topics:

Part 1: Board Service with Your Eyes Wide Open

Chapter 1: Why Would Anyone Want to Serve on a Nonprofit Board?
Chapter 2: Board Basics
Chapter 3: Just the Facts
Chapter 4: Finding the Right Match
Chapter 5: Getting From Here to There: From Candidate to Board Member

Part 2: Hit the Ground Running

Chapter 6: Ready, Set, Action! Wait, Who Does What?
Chapter 7: Board Anatomy 101
Chapter 8: Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, 990s...Oh My!
Chapter 9: Creating a Roadmap: Strategic Thinking and Planning

Part 3: Digging In

Chapter 10: Budgets: A Financial Blueprint
Chapter 11: Other Fun Financials
Chapter 12: From Ambassador to Advocate
Chapter 13: The "F" Word: Fundraising
Chapter 14: Risk Management: Covering Your Assets
Chapter 15: Measuring Organizational Success: The Board's Role

Part 4: Behind the Curtain

Chapter 16: Board Recruitment: The Dating Game
Chapter 17: Orientation: An Essential Beginning
Chapter 18: Make Meetings Magical

Part 5: The Care and Feeding of Your Leaders

Chapter 19: ED-Chair Partnership: The Dynamic Duo
Chapter 20: Supporting and Evaluating the ED
Chapter 21: Hiring and Firing the ED
Chapter 22: What If Your Leaders Flee to Cancun?
Chapter 23: Founders and Long-Time Leaders

Part 6: Taking the Reins

Chapter 24: Assessing the Board's Performance
Chapter 25: Keeping Board Members Engaged and Connected
Chapter 26: When Things Go Awry
Chapter 27: Board Culture: Boards Are People Too

Appendices include a sample board commitment form, individual board member fundraising plan, conflict of interest policy, whistleblower policy, document retention and destruction policy, and executive director evaluation.

Nonprofit Board Service for the GENIUS is a must-have guide for these groups:

Executive directors looking to propel the board to the next level
Community members interested in exploring board service
Novice board members driven to learn more
Veteran board members who would like to brush up on basics or take on a leadership post

With real examples of inspiration and what to avoid, the book's vignettes show that board work takes time and commitment, but enables creativity and provides immense personal and professional benefits and opportunities. Its spirited tone will follow readers to the boardroom and into communities around the country.

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