Definition:

The board of trustees is a group of individuals elected or appointed to govern a nonprofit organization. They are responsible for overseeing the organization’s overall operations, including its mission, financial stability, and compliance with laws and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Setting the organization’s strategic direction: Establishing long-term goals and objectives, approving the organization’s budget, and guiding its activities.
• Ensuring financial stability: Overseeing the organization’s financial operations, reviewing financial statements, and approving major financial transactions.
• Setting policy and governance: Establishing policies and procedures to govern the organization’s operations, including ethical standards, conflict of interest, and accountability.
• Providing oversight and accountability: Monitoring the organization’s activities, evaluating its performance, and holding members accountable.
• Fundraising and grant seeking: Engaging in fundraising activities and seeking grants to support the organization’s mission.
• Representing the organization: Acting as ambassadors for the organization and representing its interests in the community.

Composition:

• Size: Typically, boards of trustees are composed of 3-15 members.
• Diversity: Ideally, the board should reflect the diversity of the organization’s constituency.
• Qualifications: Members should have relevant experience, knowledge, and skills to contribute to the organization’s success.
• Term length: Terms of office vary, but members are typically appointed for a fixed term, often 3-5 years.

Meeting and Decision-Making:

• Regular meetings: The board meets regularly to discuss and approve various matters.
• Voting: Decisions are made by majority vote, with certain exceptions.
• Committees: The board may establish committees to handle specific tasks and responsibilities.

Examples:

• Boards of trustees for nonprofit organizations, charities, universities, and other public benefit entities.
• Corporate boards of directors (although not strictly nonprofit, some principles apply).

Additional Notes:

• The specific responsibilities and powers of a board of trustees may vary depending on the organization’s legal structure and bylaws.
• The board of trustees is ultimately responsible for ensuring the organization’s compliance with its mission and its legal obligations.
• Effective board governance is crucial for the organization’s long-term sustainability and impact.