Nonprofit Literature Blog

Nonprofit Executive Transitions

If you plan to browse our library collections for a book on leadership change, take a look at Chief Executive Transitions: How to Hire and Support a Nonprofit CEO, a guide written by Don Tebbe. The guide can help you think about steps in the planning process. For example:

• What does the board need to do during the first five days after the initial announcement? Tebbe includes a list of initial steps for both planned and sudden departures.
• Will you need a temporary chief executive? A chapter explores the responsibilities of interim executives and discusses qualifications.
• Have you developed a transition timeline? The appendix contains a sample timeline that starts from the executive’s 90 days’ notice and ends 18 months later when the executive committee performs an annual review.
• What do you need to include in the orientation packet? Tebbe lists the policies, filings, financial statements, and other key documents that the new chief executive might examine.

The guide is published by BoardSource, and you will find it in our libraries under the call number: 610 TEB CHI

If you are interested in other resources related to this topic, view the Foundation Center’s topical resource list on succession planning.

Nonprofit Governance: Board Structure and Committees

In the book, Extraordinary Board Leadership, Doug Eadie’s points out key elements of effective governance based on his experience with more than 500 nonprofit organizations. For example, Eadie explains how organizations need CEOs that see governance as a top-priority function and are willing to spend significant time on board development.

If your greatest concern is board structure, turn to the third chapter on standing committees. Eadie describes the responsibilities of committees that relate to governance, planning, performance oversight, audits, and external relations/resource development.

How do you make sure that your board members are fully engaged in these committees? Eadie suggests that members serve on only one standing committee and should rotate regularly among the them.

The chapter also contains advice on launching a new committee structure and making sure there is enough support from staff.

For more tips on building a strong board-CEO team, ask our librarians to help you find Extraordinary Board Leadership: The Keys to High-Impact Governing, 2nd ed. (Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2009).

Note: If you who are interested in reading more about board structure, our librarians can help you locate booklets from BoardSource’s Committee Series, which includes the pamphlet, Transforming Board Structure: Strategies for Committees and Task Forces.

Getting Ready for Your Next Board Meeting

If you are preparing for your next board meeting and are looking for a book to help you get started, our librarians can point out a new book in our collection, Nonprofit Meetings, Minutes & Records by Attorney Anthony Mancuso (Nolo 2008). The volume includes step-by-step instructions and contains sample meeting preparation forms, minutes, and consent forms.

Interested in previewing this book before visiting our library?

Browse selected pages from Nonprofit Meetings, Minutes & Records with Google Book Search.

Nonprofit Boards and Fundraising

As a trustee of a nonprofit organization, you have been asked to support the group’s fundraising efforts. If you are unsure of your role, ask our librarians for Fearless Fundraising for Nonprofit Boards, 2nd ed. (BoardSource 2008). The guide by Dave Sternberg offers practical advice with a focus on obtaining gifts from individual donors. Turn to the appendix for a checklist that lists the ways you can assist. For example, will you help...

-write the case statement?
-suggest names for major gift prospects?
-thank your organization’s donors?
-organize special events?
-make visits for gift solicitations?

For more citations to readings about fundraising and other responsibilities of nonprofit board members, browse our Topical Resource List.