Nonprofit Boards That Work : The End of One-Size-Fits-All Governance

Praise for Nonprofit Boards That Work

"This book offers a refreshing and candid look at the challenges ofnonprofit boards. It moves away from theoretical frameworks to takeyou inside the real world of nonprofit organizations. . . . A mustfor any executive director who needs reassurance that buildingeffective boards is tough work, but well worth the effort."-SherryRockey, Executive Director, International Women's MediaFoundation

"Maureen Robinson is uniquely qualified to help us understand theissues related to boards that are effective, those that are not,and why. It is certain that board members, potential board members,and executive directors who read this book will better understandtheir roles and responsibilities, and will be better able to avoidcommon pitfalls. As a result, the impact of their efforts on thosewhom their organizations exist to serve will be enhanced."-RonBurkard, Executive Director, World Neighbors

As more than 10 million people in the United States alone say yesto board service, they also expect to see their time and talentsused effectively. This invaluable book presents a straightforwardapproach to understanding the role of the board, tailoring its workto meet the needs of specific organizations, and creating a cultureof board productivity that makes participation rewarding for boardmembers as well as the organizations they serve. Nonprofit BoardsThat Work:
* Distinguishes between theory and practice and encourages boardsto explore how they genuinely add value to the work of theorganization
* Goes beyond the hows and whys of nonprofit governance to providefrank advice and real-world examples of what works, what doesn't,what requires a miracle, and what can be achieved through diligentand deliberate effort
* Offers practical yet flexible strategies that can be tried by anynonprofit board, whatever its current effectiveness

. . . and much more to guide nonprofit organizations and theirboards toward accomplishing the goals they seek.

Maureen K. Robinson is a consultant who specializes in nonprofit governance and management. She was the director of education at the National Center for Nonprofit Boards for eight years. Prior to joining the NCNB, she organized executive searches at the Smithsonian Institution and was director of legislative programs at the American Association of Museums. She writes and speaks extensively on the topic of nonprofit governance, both in the United States and abroad.