Board Services
A strong board is essential for the success and sustainability of any nonprofit organization. The board sets the strategic direction, provides oversight, ensures financial stability, and supports the agency’s mission, playing a vital role in its overall effectiveness. With a diverse set of skills and experiences, a strong board brings expertise, guidance, and accountability to the organization, helping to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive impactful initiatives.
Given the importance of having a strong and diverse board, the Greater Cabarrus Foundation offers two forms of Board Services: Board Matching and Board Education.
Board Matching Services
Connecting Talent with Passion
The Board Matching Service is designed to bridge the gap between individuals eager to serve and nonprofits seeking skilled and committed board members. Participants in the program will attend a comprehensive two-hour training session in cohorts of 4-8 people. This session is carefully structured to provide both foundational knowledge and personalized guidance. The training covers the essentials of effective board membership, including:
- Basics of being an effective board member
- Types of nonprofit boards
- Legal duties of board members
- Roles and responsibilities
The interactive nature of the session allows participants to engage in discussions, share experiences, and ask questions. A key component of this training is the completion of a skills inventory, which identifies each participant’s strengths in areas like finance, grant writing, legal expertise, and human resources. Participants also take an interest inventory to highlight their passions, such as education, food insecurity, human trafficking, or homelessness. This dual approach ensures that prospective board members are not only well-equipped but also matched with organizations whose missions resonate with them.
After the training, the Foundation takes an active role in connecting participants with nonprofit organizations. Using the insights gained from the skills and interest inventories, the Foundation reaches out to agencies to identify opportunities that align with the unique profiles of the participants. This tailored approach not only benefits the nonprofit agencies but also ensures that board members find their roles fulfilling and impactful.
Board Education
Enhancing Board Effectiveness
The Board Education Service is tailored for existing board members who want to enhance their governance skills and knowledge. This service is initiated at the invitation of a nonprofit’s Executive Director or Board Chair and is designed to address specific organizational needs. The service offers two flexible options:
- One-Hour Presentations at Board Meetings – The Foundation provides targeted training based on the nonprofit’s unique challenges or opportunities. These sessions are highly interactive and designed to address the board’s immediate needs.
- Training at Board Retreats – For organizations planning retreats, the Foundation offers in-depth workshops that delve into broader topics, such as strategic planning, financial oversight, or resource development.
Both formats are designed to foster collaboration and provide actionable insights that boards can implement immediately. Topics can be customized to address areas like board roles and responsibilities, fundraising strategies, or how to build a more diverse and inclusive board.
Types of Nonprofit Boards Covered in Training
Participants will gain insights into the different types of boards they may encounter, including:
- Working Boards – Hands-on boards typically found in smaller nonprofits. These boards are deeply involved in day-to-day operations and may take on tasks like event planning or volunteer coordination.
- Governing Boards – Focused on strategic oversight and policy. These boards establish the organization’s mission, monitor progress, and ensure financial accountability.
- Fundraising Boards – Dedicated to resource development and donor engagement. Members of these boards leverage their networks to secure funding and support for the organization.
Understanding these distinctions helps prospective and current board members navigate their roles more effectively. For example, a member who excels in networking may be better suited to a fundraising board, while someone with a legal background might thrive on a governing board.
Legal Duties and Responsibilities
A significant focus of the training is on the three fundamental legal duties of board members:
- Duty of Care – Actively participating in decision-making and oversight. This includes attending meetings, reviewing materials, and making informed decisions.
- Duty of Loyalty – Prioritizing the nonprofit’s interests and avoiding conflicts of interest. Transparency and ethical behavior are key to fulfilling this duty.
- Duty of Obedience – Ensuring compliance with laws and alignment with the nonprofit’s mission. This duty underscores the importance of upholding the organization’s values and purpose.
In addition to legal duties, the training emphasizes core responsibilities such as governance, financial oversight, resource development, and ambassadorship. Participants learn how to contribute strategically, whether it’s through policy-making, fundraising, or community advocacy.
Strengthening Nonprofit Agency Capacity in Cabarrus County
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation’s Board Services program is a natural extension of its mission to support local nonprofit agencies by capacity building through collaboration. By addressing the critical need for skilled and passionate board members, this initiative ensures that agencies can focus on delivering impactful programs and services.
This sentiment is echoed by agency leaders across Cabarrus County, who recognize the importance of strong governance in achieving their missions. By providing both foundational training and ongoing education, the Board Services program empowers boards to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and drive meaningful change.
Get Involved
The Greater Cabarrus Foundation invites individuals and organizations to participate in the Board Services program. Whether you are a professional looking to give back to your community or a nonprofit leader seeking to strengthen your board, the program offers resources and support tailored to your needs.
Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Cabarrus County through collaboration and shared purpose.
