Good Governance Checklist

Many organizations have a board that looks good on paper. A general meeting that convenes, bylaws that are in order, a long-term plan tucked away in a folder somewhere. And yet, something isn’t quite right. The board isn’t really providing direction, the executive team is either running ahead or running into obstacles, and no one can find the time to take a step back and look at the big picture.

This checklist will help you figure that out. It includes 42 recommendations, organized into 7 themes: from mission and vision to policy development. Based on recommendations from the culture and welfare sectors, supplemented by our consultants’ many years of experience in the nonprofit and social-profit sectors.

It’s not an all-or-nothing script. It’s not a checklist with boxes to check off. The principle is simple: apply and explain. Explain what you don't do—both to yourself and to each other. That's where the conversation begins that will make your board stronger.

Want to dive deeper? With our Quick Scan on Good Governance we'll assess where you stand today, who you'll need at the table tomorrow, and how you can get there.