Strategic-Best Practices Overview

Governance

1. Mission - review and reaffirm annually. Stakeholders to involve current board and past presidents where available
2. Strategic planning includes review and articulation of the mission; organizational assessment including stakeholder; strategies, goals and objectives; action plans in place for operations, directorates (programs), financial health and marketing
3. Policy reviews and policy issues resolution
4. Program and services reviews
5. Board and committee commitment and support
6. Recognition and appreciation of service with incentives to participate
7. Orientation of new board members including legal responsibility re audit and Incorporation, facility management and liability
8. Ensure ongoing board training in team building, communications skills, meeting management, marketing, leadership and succession planning
9. Assure that board makeup reflects community served
10. Fiscal management and reporting, financial health auditing
11. Ongoing membership surveys and affiliate outreach
12. Annual reporting and open and accessible records
13. Ensures that each directorate (Program) has up-to date and clearly written job descriptions tied to program outcomes
14. Budget set and budget variance reports reviewed by board on a regular basis 
     

Source: excerpts from "Best Practices for Nonprofit organizations - Whatcom Council of Nonprofits". www.wcnwebsite.org