Information Bulletins

Understanding Financial Statements

All board members need to be able to read and understand the financial statement of their organization. This information bulletin provides simple explanations to make this task easier.

PDF Version (65kb)

So You Want to be a Board Member

If you're new to a board or considering joining a board, this information is for you!

PDF Version (87kb)

Developing Policy

All governing boards are responsible for policy development. This information bulletin provides information on the key areas of policy development as well as provides some useful examples.

PDF Version (53kb)

Strategic Planning and Governance

The role of the board in strategic planning is very important. Strategic planning provides a hands-on way for board members to give a lasting gift to the organization. This information bulletin provides you with information on how to get started.

PDF Version (69kb)

Effective Organizations Call For Effective Chairs

Effective leadership is a key quality of any successful organization. A not-for-profit organization is no exception. This information bulletin is dedicated to the role of the Board Chair, so if you are choosing a Chair, or choosing to Chair, you'll know what is involved.

PDF Version (79kb)

Building Better Boards

Board Members: How do you get them? Better yet, how do you keep them? This information bulletin is dedicated to recruiting the most appropriate volunteers to sit on your board. It explains how you can keep them motivated and satisfied with their board experience.

PDF Version (59kb)

Where, Oh Where Did Our Membership Go?

Membership may be considered a source of income, a source of volunteer workers or a source of help for community advocacy. Whatever your organization's motiviation for increasing its membership, this information bulletin will provide you with seven steps to help you recruit and retain members.

PDF Version (71kb)

Meetings that Work

Efficient meetings do require a bit of planning and a little effort to stay on track. This information bulletin covers what you need to know to get the most out of your meetings.

PDF Version (70kb)

Sustaining Healthy Boards

Healthy boards are essential to the life of an organization. This information bulletin will provide insight about caring for a board.

PDF Version (62kb)

Financial Responsibilities of Not-For-Profit Boards

Public trust, accountability, liability -- all of these need to be considered by anyone serving on a board. This information bulletin will serve as a guide and answer some very important questions.

PDF Version (47kb)

Maximize Your Time and Efforts - Collaborate!

This information bulletin deals with ways that organizations can pool their time and talents in order to maximize their effectiviness.

PDF Version (83kb)

Roles and Responsibilities of Not-For-Profit Boards

This information bulletin is dedicated to giving board members of not-for-profit organizations a clear picture of what the board does and the responsibilities of being a board member.

PDF Version (65kb)

Hiring the Right Executive Director for Your Organization: One Size Does Not Fit All

Unerstanding the needs and the search process of your organization will help you find the executive director that is the right match. This information bulletin will provide you with useful steps that will help you in the hiring process.

PDF Version (54kb)

Evaluating Your Executive Director's Performance

Some concrete, objective ideas to assist with evaluation of senior staff.

PDF Version (57kb)

The Board's Role in Fund Development

How does your board feel about fundraising? Is it a board responsibility? Is it a staff responsibility? What if you don't have staff?

PDF Version (82kb)

Committees

A committee is a workhorse of a board. The board organizes and completes its work efficiently through the effective use of committees.

PDF Version (65kb)

Advocacy (New)

Advocacy can be defined as promoting awareness and understanding of a cause or the ability to change public opinion, and cause a shift in people's perceptions or understanding of an issue. Advocacy is a frame of mind and board members have an important role to play in being advocates for their organization.

PDF Version (65kb)

Budgeting for Not-for-Profit Boards (New)

Good budgeting is the key to good financial management. Budgeting can help an organization to set priorities and assist the organization to control expenditures, and forecast sources and timing of revenues. Although there may be one person in the organization who prepares a budget, all board members are equally responsible for management of the group's finances.

PDF Version (65kb)

Writing a Grant Proposal (New)

This Information Bulletin will help take some of the stress out of preparing a grant application. The step-by-step outline will assist board members to target the information needed and develop more productive relationships with funders.

PDF Version (65kb)

Want to reprint?

Feel free to reprint any of the articles in our information bulletins, as long as you meet the following conditions:

• Credit and/or cite the source of the article(s)
• Send us a copy of the publication that the article(s) is/are reprinted in

The Board Development Program reserves the right to deny reprinting privileges.