Organization,
Management
and
Fund
Development
Consultants
for
Non-Profits
SOLOMON
ASSOCIATES
SAM
SOLOMON
8 Browne
Street
Brookline,
MA 02446
617
278 9823
617
738 0173 fax
ssolomon@erols.com
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It is essential for a nonprofit organization
to have a volunteer infrastructure capable of ensuring effective programmatic,
planning and financial oversight, supporting a broad-based fundraising
program and providing a community outreach capacity. A well-functioning
nonprofit organization should have a formal board development strategy
focused on cultivating and recruiting people with the mix of skills, resources
and connections that will enhance the organization’s community standing,
reflect the needs and concerns of the organization’s constituents, and
complement and reinforce staff capacity. Today’s nonprofit board
is expected to:
-
Provide closer operational scrutiny and greater
fiscal oversight
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Ensure organizational financial stability through
effective fund development
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Play an active role in selecting and evaluating
the chief professional officer
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Engage actively in planning and monitoring agency
programs and progress
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Be attuned to laws and regulations affecting
non-profit organizations
To assess board concerns and prepare for
a thoughtful, informed board development program, we work with an organization
to:
-
Identify issues and perceptions related to board
capacity and effectiveness
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Design standards for board effectiveness and
guidelines for board expectations
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Develop strategies for improving board functions
and activities
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Establish specific board development objectives
to be implemented
Our approach to board development starts with
a review of documentation on board role and responsibilities, including
bylaws, mission statements, board/committee minutes, marketing and public
relations materials and organization charts. We also utilize surveys
and interviews to gain an understanding of board practices and attitudes.
With this information, we design a board process in which to share the
information gathered; provide specific training relating to deficiencies
and concerns identified in the data gathering phase; and develop consensus
expectations for the agency’s board members. We are then able to
work with the board to establish specific goals and activities for enhancing
its role in the agency.
Our broad experience in the nonprofit sector
and the depth and range of our professional services bring added value
to the planning and implementation of an organization’s board development
program.
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