Nonprofit Governance
Learn how a healthy board governs without slipping into day-to-day management.
For: Nonprofit board members
What you’ll learn
- Define the board’s governance role versus staff’s
- Set up committees, officers, and oversight that work
- Recognize the major governance models and the three modes of board work
- Govern strategically without micromanaging the executive director
Screen your volunteers for $5
VolunteerBadge runs FCRA-compliant background checks for just $5 — with identity verification built in. No monthly fees, no contracts.
Create a free account →Course outline
- 1
What governance actually is
5 min
- 2
Governance vs. management: the dividing line
5 min
- 3
Board structure: officers, committees, bylaws
5 min
- 4
The three fiduciary duties
5 min
- 5
Governance models: Carver, Chait & more
6 min
- 6
The board and the executive director
5 min
- 7
Policies, oversight & putting it together
5 min
Sources & further reading
- BoardSource — Leading with Intent — Index of Nonprofit Board Practices
- National Council of Nonprofits — Board Roles and Responsibilities
- BoardSource — Legal Duties of Nonprofit Board Members
- Carver Governance Design — Policy Governance — Ends, Means & one voice
- BoardSource — Governance as Leadership (Chait, Ryan & Taylor) — the three modes
- National Council of Nonprofits — Governance & Leadership — structure, bylaws, committees
This course is educational and provides general information about the Fair Credit Reporting Act and volunteer-screening best practices. It is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time — consult a qualified attorney about your organization’s specific obligations.