Governance

Effective governance is a critical component of all successful social sector organizations. However, many social sector organizations struggle to find a balance between their programming, operations, and governance. LawForChange has compiled resources below to help organizations navigate state and federal laws, provide tips on selecting and developing an effective board, and offer some startup guidance.

Do you have questions or other tools and resources to suggest? Contact us at admin@lawforchange.org.

 
Where to Start

Governance Overview (PDF)  LawForChange

State-Specific Laws on Governance  LawForChange

 
Getting to Work

IRS Form 990 Filing Tips: Governance (Part VI)  Internal Revenue Service

IRS Training Materials: Governance for Exempt Organizations  Internal Revenue Service

Principles Workbook: Steering Your Board Toward Good Governance and Ethical Practice  Independent Sector

 
What People Are Talking About

Watchdog Group Adopts Change in Rating System  The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Ellis Carter's Top 10 Nonprofit Governance Mistakes (and 5 More)  Nonprofit Law Blog

Who Owns a Nonprofit Corporation?  Charity Lawyer

Nonprofit Bylaws: What to Include and What to Leave Out (1)  Charity Lawyer

Nonprofit Bylaws: What to Include and What to Leave Out (2)  Charity Lawyer

Bylaws Checklist  Blue Avocado

AG Selects Overseer of Hospitals, Insurers  Boston Globe

Executive Directors Should Invest More Time in Their Boards  The Chronicle of Philanthropy

 
Other Resources

BoardSource: Building Effective Nonprofit Boards 

Leadership Through Board Service  Nonprofit Law Blog

Creating a Nonprofit Board  Suite 101

How to Select a Board Member (for-profit focused)  Free Management Library

All About Boards of Directors (For-Profit and Nonprofit)  Free Management Library

Start-Up Kit: Governance  LawForChange

Legal Audit: Governance  LawForChange

 
Ask the Experts

Ask LawForChange  LawForChange

Visit the LawForChange group on LinkedIn  LawForChange