Strengthening the performance of nonprofit boards of directors

Never has more been expected of our nonprofit organizations. More than ever, their ability to meet these expectations will depend, in large measure, on their governing boards. Nonprofit boards have never been mere window-dressing, but today they must be more than advisors, ambassadors, contributors. The old paradigm of work, wealth, and wisdom is no longer adequate. Boards today must be diligent and informed stewards of the social and business enterprise that is a nonprofit.

The goal of the Center for Community Engagement is to foster a new governance paradigm through three broad strategies:

1. Identify and promulgate best practices in governance for boards to adopt.
2. Provide training in and convenient access to national and local resources for these best practices, including other nonprofits that can serve as models.
3. Develop a critical mass of board leaders who understand these standards and are committed to meeting them.

The programs below are offered in conjunction with the Rochester-based Partnership for Nonprofit Enterprise Excellence, founded in 2003 as the joint effort of The Lifetime Healthcare Companies, Rochester Area Community Foundation, and United Way of Greater Rochester, later joined by United Way of Central New York, United Way of Greater Utica Area, Central New York Community Foundation, and Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. Program partners also include Bittner School of Business – St John Fisher College, City of Rochester and Council of Agency Executives.

Programs

Board Leadership Seminar

The seminar, launched in Rochester in 2003, in Syracuse in 2005, and in Utica in 2007, is offered annually to a small group of board leaders, selected from those nominated by their organizations. It is aimed at board chairs, chair-elects, or members on track for board chair. Participants attend a series of nine monthly two-hour breakfast sessions organized around the standards of excellence. The seminar series is without charge. Click here for details.

Board Leadership Workshops

Each year the Center offers a series of workshops covering a variety of governance topics. These workshops are open to board leaders and executive staff of nonprofit organizations. A small fee is charged. Click here for details.

Individual Board Assistance

The Center provides assistance to individual boards. Center consultants facilitate an on-site workshop at which the board reviews duties, functions, and structure in order to identify key improvement opportunities and to plan actions that will achieve their goals. At follow-up meetings with the consultants, the board assesses progress and plans further action steps. There is a fee for this service. For more information, contact Lisa Moore, Coordinator, Board Leadership Programs, 585-327-6527, lisa.a.moore@excellus.com.