The Building Blocks of Successful Boards Series TRACK 101The Building Blocks of Successful Boards Series TRACK 101

The Building Blocks of Successful Boards Series: Track 101: Eligibility Criteria: Organization less than 10 years old Philanthropic revenue under $1 million Executive Director with 0–4 years of experience in the role 0–2 paid staff members Founder remains active on the board 3–10 board members Registration Guidelines: Only one staff member per session may attend.Additional staff who wish to participate in the Building Blocks of Successful Boards Series must register separately via the provided ticket link.  Building a Board of Excellence: September 24th (8:30 am - noon) Serving on a nonprofit board is both an honor and a vital responsibility. This interactive session dives into the ten core responsibilities of effective board service—what they are, why they matter, and how they shape a thriving organization. Participants will exchange real-world insights on how to communicate these responsibilities clearly to prospective and current board members using tools like position profiles and job descriptions. Finally, we’ll explore one of the most essential partnerships in any nonprofit: the dynamic between the board and the CEO/Executive Director—clarifying roles, expectations, and how to work together for lasting impact Assessing Your Board & Strategic Recruitment: October 22nd (8:30 am - noon) When was the last time your board conducted a thoughtful assessment of its collective performance and individual responsibilities? A well-designed board evaluation can serve as a powerful catalyst for improved engagement, targeted learning, and progress toward fundraising and governance goals. This session will explore how to implement meaningful board assessments and use the results to inform strategic recruitment and development efforts. Participants will learn effective approaches to move beyond the traditional “who do you know” model of board nominations and toward a more intentional, mission-aligned process.  The discussion will offer practical strategies and insights to strengthen board performance, deepen engagement, and build a governing body that advances organizational excellence. Your Board’s Role in Fundraising: November 19th (8:30 am - noon) Getting new board members off to a strong start is essential for building an effective, engaged board. This interactive session will walk you through how to create a clear, consistent board orientation process that sets expectations and builds confidence from day one. You’ll learn how to structure orientation materials that cover your organization’s mission, history, programs, financials, and governance responsibilities, ensuring every member understands their role in advancing your mission. In the second half, we’ll dive into fundraising engagement—including how to develop a practical Give/Get policy, and creative ways to involve board members in development activities that align with their strengths and comfort levels. You’ll also explore meeting strategies that keep fundraising and stewardship front and center all year long. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with concrete tools, templates, and fresh ideas to help your board members feel prepared, motivated, and ready to lead.