Source: Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards, Second Edition, by Richard T. Ingram (BoardSource 2009).

The board is legally responsible for the operation of the nonprofit organization for which it serves. In fact, individual members can even be held personally liable for improper conduct if they breach their duties. So, pay careful attention to the law and board duties. Doing so will help you minimize risk and ensure your organization is the best it can be.

Standards of Conduct

Under the law, each board member must meet certain standards of conduct. These standards are typically described as duty of care, duty of loyalty and duty of obedience.

1. Duty of Care
   board member must exercise “reasonable care” when he or she makes a decision for the organization. In this case, “reasonable” is what a prudent person in a similar situation might do.
2. Duty of Loyalty
   board member must never use information gained through his or her position for personal gain. This means each member must always act in the best interests of the organization.
3. Duty of Obedience
   A board member must be faithful to the organization’s mission. This means he or she cannot act in a way that is inconsistent with the organization’s goals.

Board Responsibilities

In addition to standards of conduct, as a governing body, the board has a responsibility to support management and staff, and ensure operations run smoothly and in accordance with the law.

Following, are 10 responsibilities of nonprofit boards:

1. Establish mission and purpose.
2. Select the executive director.
3. Support and evaluate the executive director.
4. Set policies and ensure effective planning.
5. Monitor and strengthen programs and services.
6. Ensure adequate financial resources.
7. Protect assets and provide proper financial oversight.
8. Build a competent board.
9. Ensure legal and ethical integrity.
10. Enhance the organization’s public standing.

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