These resources explain how to build an effective nonprofit board and address strategies to improve board operations.
5 Ways to Form an Effective Board
National Responsible Fatherhood Capacity Building Initiative (2008)
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Outlines five strategies for forming an effective board of directors: conduct a board checkup; orient new members; keep searching for new members; shape a board that has a mix of education, skills, information, and access to important donor networks; and implement strategies to boost board performance.
All About Boards of Directors (For-profit and Nonprofit)
McNamara
Explains the concept of board development and provides a collection of links with a range of viewpoints on improving board operations.
Board Leadership and Development
Axelrod (2004)
In The Jossey-Bass Handbook of Nonprofit Leadership and Management
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Analyzes the continuing challenge of developing board leadership and describes some promising approaches for helping boards meet their leadership obligations.
Establishing a Nonprofit Organization: Select Individuals to Serve on the Board of Directors
The Foundation Center
Provides tips on how to build an effective board of directors.
How Evaluative Learning Builds Capacity
York (2005)
In A Funder's Guide to Evaluation: Leveraging Evaluation to Improve Nonprofit Effectiveness
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Explores how funders and nonprofit organizations typically evaluate their grantees' programs. Presents strategies for using evaluation as a capacity-building tool to improve organizational functions such as board development, strategic planning, and fundraising.