You know your nonprofit needs a governing board. And if you're wise, you also know a good board is not just a collection of friends and relatives who automatically say yes to every proposal they hear.
They're thoughtful people who are committed to the mission and the people you serve.
They bring their expertise, curiosity, commitment, and voice to the board.

But how do you find the right kind of people for your board? And how do you prepare them to serve your organization? Through a sensible, step-by-step process.
Board Recruitment Project
When you're ready to create, rebuild, or grow your governing board, consider my Board Development Project.
Here's you get:
- An assessment of your needs or a board assessment if you already have a board,
- A strategy for building or maintaining a high-quality governing board,
- A plan for identifying potential board prospects,
- A sample script for inviting potential directors to consider serving on you board,
- Board Basics training for your prospective directors, and
- Help developing, adopting, and following key organizational policies.
After the project ends, you'll have everything you need to repeat the process when it's time to add new board members.
Investment
The investment for this project is $1,200. You can use a credit card or a PayPal account. In either case I never see your private financial information.
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Board Training
The class, Board Basics: Fundamentals for Nonprofit Boards teaches your directors their legal duties and responsibilities and offers practical tips for effective governance.
I offer you three ways to attend the class:
- Enroll your directors in one of my online classes,
- Arrange an in-person delivery of the class in the DC-Baltimore area, or
- Arrange a private customized online class just for your board.
This is a must-have topic for directors who are new to the nonprofit sector or new to your organization. And periodic training can be a helpful refresher for your entire board.
Here's what you'll learn in this class:
- What a board is and why it's necessary,
- The legal and practical responsibilities of the board and its directors,
- Some of the ways boards do their work,
- How to avoid key legal and financial pitfalls,
- Ways boards govern through different stages of development,
- Tips for forming a strong partnership with the chief executive, and
- How to get the most out of committees and advisers
During this interactive 2 1/2-hour session participants will learn about directors' legal duties, what it takes to have a successful board, and how to address or avoid some common board pitfalls.
Participants will have the chance to submit questions in advance and to ask question live.
If you arrange a private class, we can also discuss issues specific to your organization and its success.
Investment
The investment to attend this course is $89 per student, by credit card or PayPal. Contact me for a rate quote for a group of 5 or more or for an onsite class.
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Coaching Projects
Life is good when all is well with your board. When everyone is showing up, getting along, and getting the job done.
But what if that's not happening? Or what if you're just struggling to get a new board started?
Whether your board needs a little "tune-up" or an overhaul, ignoring that need is not the best idea. I've seen a few boards ignore trouble, only to see their situations grow worse.
Good people often leave troubled boards, and new members don't stay. That's why I created my Board Coach On Call program.
How It Works
As your coach, I’ll work with you on your goals and on identifying the things keeping you from reaching them. Together we’ll create a plan, and I'll help you with the implementation.
Our regularly-scheduled conference calls will help you keep your momentum, and you can contact me when new issues pop up.
For Short-Term Projects
Board Coach On Call is intended for short-term board development or corrective measures. I offer 30-, 60-, and 90-day coaching plans. Each one includes an introductory session, several hours of scheduled virtual coaching during which we address the scope of work, and email support.
Coaching Packages
You can book one of three projects:
30-Day Board Coach On Call Project
- Introductory Conference: 45 minutes
- Board assessment and recommendations
- Four scheduled coaching calls, up to 45-minutes each
- Email access throughout
Investment: $800
60-Day Board Coach On Call Project
- Introductory Conference: 45 minutes
- Board assessment and recommendations
- Eight scheduled coaching calls, up to 45-minutes each
- Email access throughout
Investment: $1,300
90-Day Board Coach On Call Project
- Introductory Conference: 45 minutes
- Board assessment and recommendations
- Twelve scheduled coaching calls, up to 45-minutes each
- Email access throughout
Investment: $1,700
Book An Exploratory Call
To learn more or book a Board Coach On Call project, schedule a free 20-minute exploratory call. Just click the button below to visit my appointment scheduler.