Preview a checklist tool for nonprofit boards seeking to govern with clarity, confidence, and purpose in an uncertain environment.
Why This Checklist
Effective governance means more than compliance. It requires awareness, foresight, and the courage to lead with purpose in times of uncertainty. This checklist is designed to help nonprofit boards and executives assess whether their organization is prepared to respond to today’s shifting legal, political, financial, and reputational risks.
The questions in this resource reflect core governance responsibilities but also emphasize the mindset and practices of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership. That means putting purpose before organizational preservation, understanding the organization’s role in a broader ecosystem, advancing equity even under pressure, and ensuring that decision-making includes the voices and perspectives of those most impacted by the work. For a deeper exploration of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership, see BoardSource’s Centering Purpose in Times of Change: A Guide for Purpose-Driven Boards.
This is not a checklist for avoiding controversy or ducking difficult decisions. It is a tool for staying grounded in what matters most so boards can lead with clarity when the stakes are high.
Checklist contents:
- Organizational Purpose and Mission Integrity
- Board Leadership and Decision-Making
- Legal and Regulatory Awareness
- Financial Resilience
- Crisis Preparedness and Communications
To access the full checklist and companion resources, visit the BoardSource website.
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