How to achieve non-profit board diversity

How to achieve non-profit board diversity

Non Profit Principles: Steering You in the Right Direction, Not For Profit
The importance of a diverse board that represents the values of a non-profit’s stakeholders cannot be understated. Each individual board member should bring their own take on proceedings to the table, not to mention their own network of contacts and professional experience. What’s more, with a mix of cultural backgrounds and ages on your board, in addition to the requisite skills, you will have a non-profit that is well placed to manage risk, plan accordingly, take advantage of future opportunities, and engage with the wider community on a much deeper level. Why is non-profit board diversity important? By reflecting the diversity of the very community you are serving, your non-profit board will be in a position to make meaningful connections with prospective donors, partners, and policy makers. It’s also important…
Read More
Principle 4: “Whistle-blower” Policy

Principle 4: “Whistle-blower” Policy

Non Profit Principles: Steering You in the Right Direction
It is vital to have a policy in place to protect those individuals who come forward with information regarding unlawful practices or violations of organizational policies. The “whistle-blower” policy should implement specifics values to protect both the company and the individual bringing information forth. Certain laws are in place to protect those who provide valuable information about the organizations that have unethical activities. CORE CONCEPTS -Each organization should have a confidential process for addressing all complaints or reports of supposed illegal or unethical activities. -Staff and volunteers need to feel safe to report unacceptable acts. -Retaliation against whistleblowers can be a criminal act that applies to all organizations. -Appropriate internal controls can help alleviate the occurrence of unacceptable acts. LEGAL AND COMPLIANCE ISSUES -The Sarbanes- Oxley Act (SOX), Section 1107,…
Read More
Principle 3: Conflicts of Interest

Principle 3: Conflicts of Interest

Non Profit Principles: Steering You in the Right Direction
A charitable organization should implement policies and procedures to ensure that all conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof, within the organization as well as the board are managed with disclosure and recusal. All conflicts of interest need to be addressed cautiously and quickly resolved even though they may not be illegal or unethical. Yet these are still unavoidable. Strategies need to be intact and followed by the board when dealing with such conflicts. It is also important to make certain that only independent board members vote when a conflict of interest occurs (more information on Principle 12).  On the opposite side, board members with material conflict of interest must recuse themselves from such board discussions as well as votes. It is crucial that a written conflict- of- interest policy…
Read More