Good Governance Is Good Fundraising

We believe that good governance is foundational for the health and sustainability of any non-profit organization. Effective governance is the most important responsibility of a Board of Directors.  It means the robust oversight of the organization’s mission, financial health, culture and the responsible stewardship of its assets. A strong Board understands and embraces this role, is willing to ask hard questions when needed, and engages deeply with staff as thought partners. Additionally, a strong Board provides the organization with a leadership level of philanthropic support. 

Achieving and maintaining effective governance depends on a close partnership between the Board and senior management. It requires the Board to take its responsibilities seriously, and to never lose sight of the fact that its ultimate responsibility is to represent the interests of the community. The partnership requires management to continually assess what the Board needs to know in order to fulfill its responsibilities; and to ask how the Board’s individual and collective expertise can be utilized to make the organization stronger and better.  Together the Board and management develop the committee structure, processes and principles to ensure that the commitment to effective governance is fully actualized year in and year out. 

Effective governance is also essential for maximizing fundraising results. Good governance always leads to a well-run organization. And well-run organizations robustly deliver on their missions to the community, thereby by providing the organization with a compelling fundraising case. Moreover, an organization that is committed to good governance is also laying the groundwork for high level giving from some of its most important donors, its Board members. 

A commitment to strong governance is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.