Why Effective Nonprofit Board Governance Is a Necessity

Abstract

Tough economic times can embolden our decisions. What’s really important? What’s not? What must we do to survive? What can we let go of, because it just doesn’t work anymore or because we can’t afford to keep doing it?

The Philadelphia Foundation envisions a flourishing Delaware Valley (made up of safe, thriving and diverse communities) strengthened by a dynamic and robust nonprofit sector that is critical to our quality of life. Southeastern Pennsylvania nonprofits teach us, uplift us, protect our health and natural areas and assist those who are most in need. Our region depends on the services they provide. Nonprofits constitute the very fabric of our community.

But tough economic times have imperiled these vital organizations, particularly those that deliver human services. Demand from those needing help is up. Revenues are down. Innovation, therefore, is a necessity, and it needs to come from the very top – from the boards who govern our region’s nonprofits.

Governance: Bench Strength, Capacity, Renewal, a white paper we recently issued, explores the challenges facing regional nonprofit leadership. It found that Southeastern Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations need support in recruiting and training effective board members, as well as in evaluating existing board governance models.