Governance Trainings

Our Governance Matters trainings are for community members who want a quick refresher on a specific governance topic, and are designed to lay the groundwork for a high level of board performance.

Designed for busy professionals, these trainings are scheduled before work hours for those who need to manage their volunteer service outside of work time, and can be a strong complement to any nonprofit board orientation.

These courses were developed at the request of local board members who want to better understand their basic legal duty to the boards they serve.

All nonprofit board members, executive directors and other staff involved in board governance are encouraged to attend.

• What’s My Job? The Unique Role of a Nonprofit Board

  Are you a nonprofit board member seeking to gain insight on your role and responsibilities? It may be that you are an Executive Director or CEO of an organization? Or perhaps you are considering serving on a nonprofit board? If so, CNE invites you to join Cindy Colson for this introductory session on nonprofit governance.

  Participants will gain an understanding of key topics such as board roles and responsibilities, relationship of the board and the CEO, and the board’s role in fundraising. You’ll walk away with clear next steps for advancing the role of the board in the governance of your organization.

• Board’s Role in Strategy

  Strategic planning is a core responsibility of nonprofit boards from engaging in an annual meeting to participating in long term detailed processes. Strong strategic planning defines where the organization intends to go, reflects the best possible decisions about how to get there, and identifies and commits the resources to do so.

  Join CNE Director of Programs, Cindy Colson, to gain insight into the importance of board member involvement in strategic planning. In every organization it is crucial for board members to work closely and collaboratively with staff. Participants will walk away with clear next steps for advancing the role of the board in the strategic planning of your organization.

• Board’s Role in Finance & Philanthropy

  Ensuring financial sustainability and accountability is one of the main responsibilities of nonprofit board members. Board members must have at least a basic understanding of financial statements and the skills to guide an organization in continued overall financial health. Boards also ensure sustainability by playing a fundamental role in the philanthropic efforts of their organization.

  Join CNE Director of Programs, Cindy Colson, to better understand how boards should uphold their fiduciary responsibilities and what actions can be taken to boost their involvement in finances and philanthropy. Oversight is not always enough; board members should be active participants in key financial activities, including approving financial plans, ensuring appropriate financial controls, and philanthropy. Board involvement is crucial in soliciting funds, contributing funds, and general support of an organization’s development efforts.

Sharpen your skills as a board member in:

• Fiduciary leadership, including: duties of care, loyalty, and obedience
• Legal and ethical responsibilities of board members
• Defining challenges and reviewing performance using facts, finances, and reports
• Board/ED relations
• Board’s role in strategy
• Embracing generative thinking

These courses are offered periodically throughout the year. Contact Program Manager, Andrew Robinson, to find out when the next course is scheduled.