Board Resources

Nonprofit boards are legally and strategically central to the work of nonprofits. To adapt and thrive in a fast-changing world, nonprofits need engaged and purpose-driven boards.

Through a range of programs and services, MANP supports boards to explore for themselves:

What's our purpose?
What’s the change we want to make in the world? Is the organization meeting a need?
How do we work together?
How do we build a culture of trust, inquiry, and respect? What values and practices foster inclusive dialogue, thoughtful decision-making, and mission impact?
What's our role? 
What does this organization need from us? What are our responsibilities as board members? Are we providing effective oversight and strategic direction to be accountable to our community?
Who is at the table?
Who are the partners and stakeholders whose voices need to included? How do we attract and engage board and committee members with diverse skills, knowledge, and viewpoints?

Key Programs + Services

Training on Roles, Responsibilities + Relationships
  • MANP offers training in several formats, including our one-hour Board Roles + Responsibilities webinars offered several times annually.
  • MANP regularly schedules programs with dynamic speakers from across the country on governance topics, including the role of the board chair, the board’s role in fundraising, financial management for boards, and the board chair/executive director relationship. 
  • Watch our event listings!

Tools for Board Recruitment

Board Development Resources + Coaching
  • Sounding Board: MANP offers free, virtual coaching sessions that pair nonprofit members with thought partners who have experience and insights related to nonprofit boards.
  • We collect resources on the board's role in advancing equity to provide food for thought and practical suggestions.
  • We regularly partner with state associations across the country to offer trainings related to board diversity, inclusion and equitable practice (check event listings).
  • Board Self-Assessment: Conducting a regular board self-assessment is an important way to check your board’s vital signs and identify areas for development. 
  • Board Basics Handbook: Members have free access to this electronic publication provides an overview of board roles and responsibilities along with suggested board activities.

Interested in Board Service?

Nonprofit board or committee service can be a rewarding way to invest in your community, meet incredible people, build new skills and boost your resume, but, where do you start?

  • Board Explorer is a service designed to facilitate connections between individuals interested in serving on a board and organizations looking to enhance their boards with new perspectives and talents. Check it out! 
  • “All Aboard” sessions are a great first step – check event listings for upcoming dates. Companies can also invite MANP to deliver a private lunch and learn for their staff. Reach out to us at Learn@NonprofitMaine.org to discuss options.
  • The Emerging Leaders Program is a more in-depth program for people under 40 interested in boosting their leadership skills, expanding their personal and professional networks, and applying their leadership on nonprofit committees or boards. Learn more.

2023 Get on Board Sponsors 

If you’re interested in supporting our governance programs + services, please contact Kelly McCormack, Development & Marketing Manager, at kmccormack@nonprofitmaine.org.