Quick Stops Along the Way is a monthly collection of issues, challenges, and thoughts I think you’ll find helpful on the road ahead. Send your questions to me for future Quick Stop newsletters.
You’ve been supporting an organization you care about, but now you’re wondering: Is the board of directors doing its job? That’s a smart question. Boards are responsible for governance, financial oversight, and ensuring the mission is carried out.
Five smart questions donors can ask about a nonprofit’s board:
1. How often does the board meet, and what types of issues does it focus on? This indicates whether the board has active oversight.
2. Do all board members give personally to the organization? Board giving signals commitment; most best-practice boards have 100% participation at any level.
3. What kinds of expertise or perspectives are represented on the board? This reveals whether the board is diverse in skills, experience, and backgrounds.
4. How does the board help with fundraising and community engagement? This highlights whether board members are active partners in sustainability, not just names on paper.
5. Can you share an example of a recent decision the board made that had a significant impact on the organization? This demonstrates how the board exercises real leadership, not just rubber-stamping staff work.
Beyond asking questions, do a little homework:
• Review annual reports, newsletters, and the nonprofit’s website for transparency.
• Check IRS Form 990 (available free on Candid) for board lists and finances.
• Look for watchdog reviews from Charity Navigator, or BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
The more often you give—or the larger the gift—the more important it is to know the board is effective. You’re not just investing in a cause; you’re investing in the leadership that sustains it.
Can a board vote by email?
Another frequently asked question is about board decision-making: Can we simply send an email, collect votes, and consider it done?
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. In most states, email votes are not legally binding unless specific requirements are met. To do it correctly, you must know both state law and your bylaws.
Start with your bylaws.
If bylaws do not explicitly allow “decisions without a meeting,” votes should only happen in person (or in a properly called virtual meeting). If they do, follow the rules laid out there—as long as they comply with state law.
State laws matter.
Many states require unanimous consent for votes outside of a meeting. A few, like Texas, allow majority approval—but only if every board member was notified and given a chance to vote. If your bylaws don’t cover this, they’ll need to be amended.
Make it official (if email voting is allowed):
• The email must clearly state the decision, with a date.
• Each reply must include the board member’s name and vote.
• All responses should be saved, printed, and filed with board minutes or permanent records.
Find the final word.
The safest answer always comes from your Secretary of State’s office, which publishes nonprofit governance requirements.
Learning at the Leading Edge
“An organization, no matter how well designed, is only as good as the people who live and work in it.“
Dee Hock
What questions would you like me to tackle next?
Boards, governance, fundraising—send your questions my way, and I’ll answer them in a future post.
