Introduction

Effective Nonprofit Governance and Board Development are the cornerstones of a resilient, accountable, and impactful mission-driven organization. A high-performing board of directors provides essential strategic oversight, ensures financial integrity, upholds ethical standards, and serves as a vital link to the community and external stakeholders. Strong governance translates into clear direction, responsible stewardship of resources, and enhanced public trust, enabling the organization to navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. Without a well-structured and actively engaged board, nonprofits risk losing focus, mismanaging funds, facing legal liabilities, and ultimately failing to achieve their full potential for positive societal change. This essential training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Nonprofit Governance and Board Development.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower board members, executive directors, senior leaders, and aspiring governance professionals with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to build and sustain a high-performing board. Participants will gain a deep understanding of board roles and responsibilities, explore best practices in board recruitment and retention, learn about effective meeting facilitation, and acquire skills in strategic oversight and financial stewardship. The course will delve into topics such as legal duties of board members, strategic planning, fundraising responsibilities, risk management, board-staff relations, diversity and inclusion on boards, and board evaluation. By mastering the principles and practical application of Nonprofit Governance and Board Development, participants will be prepared to strengthen their organization's leadership, enhance accountability, mitigate risks, and ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Current Nonprofit Board Members and Trustees
• Executive Directors and CEOs of Nonprofit Organizations
• Board Chairs and Committee Chairs
• Senior Management and Leadership Teams
• Aspiring Board Members
• Governance Committee Members
• Organizational Development Specialists
• Legal Counsel for Nonprofits
• Consultants working with nonprofit boards
• Anyone involved in the strategic oversight and leadership of a non-profit.

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental roles, responsibilities, and legal duties of a nonprofit board.
• Learn best practices in board recruitment, onboarding, and retention.
• Acquire skills in facilitating effective board meetings and decision-making.
• Comprehend techniques for strategic planning and oversight from a governance perspective.
• Explore strategies for ensuring financial stewardship and fundraising oversight.
• Understand the importance of risk management and compliance in governance.
• Gain insights into fostering strong board-staff relations and healthy dynamics.
• Develop a practical understanding of board evaluation and continuous development.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Nonprofit Governance

• Defining nonprofit governance and its unique characteristics.
• The critical role of the board in achieving organizational mission.
• Legal duties of nonprofit board members: duty of care, loyalty, and obedience.
• Understanding the difference between governance and management.
• Core principles of effective nonprofit governance: accountability, transparency, integrity.

Module 2: Board Structure, Roles, and Responsibilities

• Types of board structures: working board, policy board, hybrid.
• Key roles within the board: Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, committee chairs.
• Responsibilities related to mission and strategic direction.
• Oversight of financial health and resource development.
• Ensuring compliance and legal accountability.

Module 3: Board Recruitment, Onboarding, and Retention

• Developing a board matrix: identifying desired skills, expertise, and diversity gaps.
• Effective strategies for recruiting new board members.
• Designing a comprehensive onboarding process for new directors.
• Engaging and retaining board members: fostering commitment and participation.
• Succession planning for board leadership.

Module 4: Effective Board Meetings and Decision-Making

• Planning and structuring impactful board meeting agendas.
• Facilitating productive discussions and ensuring active participation.
• Best practices for minutes taking and record-keeping.
• Making informed and timely decisions through consensus or voting.
• Utilizing technology for virtual or hybrid board meetings.

Module 5: Board Oversight of Strategic Planning and Performance

• The board's role in the strategic planning process: approval, monitoring, adaptation.
• Ensuring the organization stays true to its mission and vision.
• Overseeing the implementation of strategic goals and objectives.
• Monitoring organizational performance through key indicators.
• Reviewing and approving annual plans and reports.

Module 6: Financial Stewardship and Fundraising Oversight

• Understanding financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, cash flow.
• The board's role in budget approval and financial monitoring.
• Ensuring strong internal financial controls and audit oversight.
• Fundraising responsibilities of the board: giving, getting, and guiding.
• Approving fundraising strategies and monitoring progress.

Module 7: Risk Management, Compliance, and Ethics

• Identifying and assessing key organizational risks (financial, operational, reputational, legal).
• The board's role in establishing a robust risk management framework.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Developing and enforcing a strong ethical code of conduct.
• Managing conflicts of interest for board members and staff.

Module 8: Board Evaluation and Continuous Development

• The importance of regular board self-assessments and peer evaluations.
• Identifying areas for board improvement and development.
• Designing and implementing board development plans (e.g., training, retreats).
• Cultivating a culture of continuous learning and growth within the board.
• The dynamic relationship between the board and the executive director.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.