Categories: Governance
December 2, 2016
Resource Type: Articles
Resources for Developing or Revising Conflict of Interest Policies
The following resources may be helpful in developing or revising a conflict of interest policy: Instructions to IRS Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3). Appendix A contains a sample conflict of interest policy. Sample policies available from...
Topics: Governance
December 2, 2016
Resource Type: Risk eNews
Risk and the Board: What Could Go Wrong?
During my career I’ve reported to and served on some terrific nonprofit boards. And something I’ve learned first-hand is that no two nonprofit boards are exactly alike. From size, to focus to meeting format, nonprofit boards are perhaps best compared...
Topics: Governance
December 2, 2016
Resource Type: Risk eNews
Risk Oversight: Who Dunnit?
When I first heard the term risk oversight, I imagined a risk manager following clues in a deerstalker hat like Sherlock Holmes. I thought risk oversight meant chasing down the villain who allowed the risk to materialize. But risk oversight is...
Topics: Governance
December 2, 2016
Resource Type: Articles
Professional Liability and Governance Exposures: A Closer Look
Of the myriad of exposures encountered by nonprofit organizations, two are frequently unappreciated and confused: exposures resulting from the consequences of corporate governance and exposures resulting from errors and omissions associated with the delivery of professional and paraprofessional services. The...
Topics: Governance, Insurance and Risk Financing
December 2, 2016
Resource Type: Articles
Dysfunctional Characters Often Sit at the Board Table
The character types described below are from “20 Dysfunctional Board Member Character Types,” by Eileen Johnson, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP. Reprinted with permission from the author. Board Chairs Dictator — The Chair as Dictator does not believe in seeking advice...
Topics: Governance
December 2, 2016
Resource Type: Articles
Friends, Not Food
There are a host of memorable quips and conversations in the 2003 film Finding Nemo. One of my favorite moments in the film involves the strangely lovable shark, Bruce, and his epiphany about friendship at sea. Bruce reflects on the need...
Topics: Governance
December 2, 2016
Resource Type: Articles
Liability and the Board: What Governing Teams Need to Know
With more than 1.5 million registered, tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., it’s likely that many times that number of Americans currently serve on nonprofit boards. Board service involves a commitment of time, attention, enthusiasm, and in many cases, a personal...
Topics: Governance
December 2, 2016
Resource Type: Risk eNews
To Lead
I am blessed to be able to witness the work of and work with many great leaders. Few days go by when I don’t learn from a member of my own board, from colleagues with whom I sit on other...
Topics: Governance
December 2, 2016
Resource Type: Risk eNews
People Who Need People: Are you feeling lucky?
Nonprofit management experts often direct “nonprofits” to take specific steps to improve their governance, internal operations, strategic planning and fundraising activities. But as we well know, the “nonprofit” itself is incapable of “doing” anything—it’s the people behind the desks, on...
Topics: Governance, Volunteer Risk Management
December 2, 2016
Resource Type: Risk eNews
Managing Risk in Challenging Times
In the past weeks, the financial markets have taken us on a wild ride. At the Center we’ve counseled several organizations coming to grips with the impact of this changing financial reality. As each of us braces our organizations for...