Attn: Nonprofit Directors – Overview Points of Engagement
By: Eugene Fram
Any nonprofit organization has a series of critical points of engagement. The nonprofit board has to make sure it is carefully over-viewing the most important ones. >
Nonprofit CEO-Board Relationships
Recruiting a Nonprofit Digital Board Director: Limitations & Alternatives
Recruiting a Nonprofit Digital Board Director: Limitations & Alternatives
By Eugene Fram
Both FP and NFP organizations are feverishly looking to add persons with digital experiences to their boards in order to be able to understand policy and strategic issues related to their organizations. Betsy Atkins, a veteran director with extensive FP and NFP experiences, makes the following observations about what is becoming a “digital director recruitment chase.” (more…)
When is the Right Time to Change a Nonprofit’s Bylaws?
When is the Right Time to Change a Nonprofit’s Bylaws?
By Eugene Fram
In listening to a recent Nonprofit Quarterly webinar, I was again reminded that the habit or long standing culture could hinder the capacity building function of a nonprofit organization. One example cited was the tendency of nonprofits to procrastinate in a review of their corporate bylaws. Original board standing committee structures and board/management relationships remain in place long after they are needed to drive mission growth and to improve client services and impacts. (more…)
Wanted: Nonprofit Board Candidates With Passion
Wanted: Nonprofit Board Candidates With Passion
By Eugene Fram
Dr. Richard LeBlanc of York University raised the following question to ask those seeking nonprofit board positions: “Do you have an inner passion for what the organization does and stands for (its mission, vision and values), and whom it serves?”
His very pertinent question led me to think of how nonprofits may more easily identify this style of inner passion. Following are my suggestions: (more…)
How is trust developed between the nonprofit board chair and the chief executive? – Upated & Ressiued
How is trust developed between the nonprofit board chair and the chief executive?
By Eugene Fram
First, in order to maintain trust between the board chair and CEO, the chair must be certain that the evaluation of the organization and the performance evaluation of the CEO are inclusive, i.e., cover a balance of the most relevant outcomes. Otherwise, the evaluation outcomes have the potential to damage the trust relationship that’s necessary to drive organizational growth. (more…)
How does a president/CEO turn down advice about operations or internal structure from the board – Update & Reissue
How does a president/CEO turn down advice about operations or internal structure from the board.
by Eugene Fram
With difficulty. It all depends on the type of culture that has been established by the board. Ideally, the president/CEO should be comfortable saying, (more…)
Should The CEO Lead or Follow the Board in Development? Updated & Reissued
Should The CEO Lead or Follow the Board in Development?
By Eugene Fram
The CEO is the advance guard when it comes to fund-raising. First and foremost, he/she has to be alert to all places where the CEO can raise funds on his/her own initiative. (more…)
Two Nonprofits Merge: Synergy or Collision Course?
Two Nonprofits Merge: Synergy or Collision Course?
By: Eugene Fram
Having led a merger committee that resulted in a successful merger with another nonprofit, I thought my field observations might be of interest to others contemplating a merger. These comments center on a merger of two equal partners, which plan to form a new organization, not the acquisition of one nonprofit by another.
Assuming both organizations have merger committees that meet frequently, over an extended time period, the following initial issues need to be reviewed: (more…)
Radio Program on Nonprofit Boards & Governance
Folks:
I thought my followers would like to know I am going to be interviewed by Tony Martignetti on Nonprofit Radio from 1 to 2 pm eastern on Friday, APRIL 26TH. If you would like to listen to the interview later at any time, starting next Monday April 29th, you can find it on iTunes (free), or the same link below will take you to the archive listing of the program.
Nonprofit Radio, April 26, 2013: A Conversation With Eugene Fram http://tony.ma/11AWzAj
Thanks for your interest in my views of nonprofit governance.
Gene
A Nonprofit Board Balks at a CEO’s Proposal – How to Try to Move Forward
A Nonprofit Board Balks at a CEO’s Proposal – How to Try to Move Forward Move Forward*
By; Eugene Fram
A small nonprofit whose work was receiving positive community attention was suddenly resistant to its CEO’s most recent proposal, according to a staff member I encountered.
The Board, a conservative one, was unwilling to provide leadership for a proposal that would move the organization in a somewhat new direction in assisting community clients.
The CEO and staff provided arguments that showed ample need for the program’s services and even access to sufficient financial support.
Yet, the Board had rejected the suggested foray into moderately uncharted waters. (more…)
Nonprofit Management 