Welcome to The Board of Directors — a series designed to demystify what nonprofit boards do. Whether you’re starting a nonprofit or looking to strengthen your existing board, these articles will give you practical insights in plain, simple language.
The Board of Directors- Article 1: What Is a Nonprofit Board?
Starting a nonprofit is exciting—you’ve got a mission you care about, people who believe in the cause, and ideas for making a difference. But before you can really get going, there’s one piece every nonprofit needs: a Board of Directors.
So, what exactly is a board? Think of it as the nonprofit’s guiding team. While staff and volunteers handle the daily work, the board ensures the organization stays on track, adheres to the rules, and always prioritizes the mission.
A nonprofit board isn’t just there for show—it carries some big responsibilities:
Duty of Care: making thoughtful, informed decisions for the good of the organization.
Duty of Loyalty: putting the nonprofit’s mission above personal interests.
Duty of Obedience: making sure the nonprofit follows the law and stays true to its stated purpose.
But boards aren’t just about governance. A strong board is also a group of cheerleaders and connectors. Members often bring professional skills, community ties, and resources that can open doors for the nonprofit. When they’re active and engaged, they help raise awareness, bring in support, and keep the organization moving forward.
This series, The Board of Directors, will break down what you need to know—from why the first board is so important, how to select the right people, to tips for keeping everyone engaged, how to orientate all board members and their roles and responsibilities.
Bottom line: a nonprofit board is more than a legal requirement—it’s the foundation that helps turn vision into impact.
At McCormick Law & Consulting, we partner with nonprofit organizations to become a long-term part of your team. We assist to ensure legal and IRS compliance as well as implement best practices. Are you starting a nonprofit or have a current nonprofit that needs legal support? Contact our office now to schedule a free consultation! We look forward to serving you with excellence!!
