The Art of Trusteeship: The Nonprofit Board Members Guide to Effective Governance / Edition 1

by Candace Widmer, Susan Houchin

Overview

The well-being of any nonprofit organization rests first with itsvolunteer board of directors. This book offers board members theguidance they need to successfully govern their organizations—nomatter what type or size of nonprofit they may lead.

Written by Candace Widmer and Susan Houchin, The Art ofTrusteeship shows you how to fulfill ten key trusteeresponsibilities and includes much-needed detail on definingmission, strategic planning, executive selection and evaluation,fundraising, financial oversight, and board self-assessment. Thishands-on guide is filled with illustrative case studies andreal-life examples that clearly show how a variety of creativeboards have tackled challenges and strengthened theirorganizations.

"At last, a book that doesn't take a one-size-fits-all approach!The authors recognize that the huge diversity among nonprofitscalls for multiple ways of fulfilling basic board responsibilities.The book allows a board member to dive in at any point and find aconcise, clear set of options for handling the challenges oftrusteeship. It will help even first-time board members find firmfooting on the path to effective governance."
—Sara L. Engelhardt, president, The Foundation Center

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780787951337
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	11/03/2000
Series:	NonProfit and Public Management Series
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.38(w) x 9.43(h) x 0.82(d)

About the Author

CANDACE WIDMER is professor of human services and sociology at Elmira College and a well-known consultant to nonprofits. SUSAN HOUCHIN is director of national services for Girls Incorporated and its seven year trustee Education for Excellence Project.

Table of Contents

About the Authors.

Acknowledgements.

Introduction: The Art of Trusteeship.

THE BOARD'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR MISSION.

Establishing the Organization's Mission.

Engaging in Strategic Planning.

Overseeing Programs.

Helping the Organization Communicate Effectively.

THE BOARD'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR MONEY.

Overseeing the Organization's Finances.

Developing Funds.

Ensuring Sound Risk Management Policies.

THE BOARD'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR MANAGEMENT.

Selecting and Supporting the Chief Executive Officer.

Selecting and Educating Trustees.

Managing the Work of the Board.

Conclusion: The Challenge of Trusteeship.

References.

Additional Resources.

Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This book delivers what trustees direly need but rarely get:plainspoken, practical advice, rooted in common sense and reallife. It tells trustees what to do, and how to do it well."—Richard P. Chait, professor, Harvard University's Graduate Schoolof Education

"The Art of Trusteeship addresses the many challenges facingtrustees today during this time of rapid change, increasing demandfor accountability, and competition for funds. Whether you are atrustee or nonprofit CEO, you will find the authors' approach willapply to your organization and its mission." —Mary H. DeKuyper,member of the board of governors, the National American RedCross

"At last, a book that doesn't take a one-size-fits-all approach!The authors recognize that the huge diversity among nonprofitscalls for multiple ways of fulfilling basic board responsibilities.The book allows a board member to dive in at any point and find aconcise, clear set of options for handling the challenges oftrusteeship. It will help even first-time board members find firmfooting on the path to effective governance." —Sara L. Engelhardt,president, The Foundation Center

"Nothing is more important to the success of nonprofitorganizations than effective board governance. The Art ofTrusteeship makes the compelling case that such success is theresult of clear vision, solid understanding and good practice. Thebook makes great sense and will help its readers better understandwhat good board performance means and how to get it." —KenGladish, national executive director, chief executive officer, YMCA

From the Publisher

In spite of the variety of sizes, memberships, and missions of nonprofit organizations, they are all entrusted to the care and direction of a board of directors. This volume provides clear guidance to nonprofit board members who take their work seriously, from basic mission questions to money and management issues. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews