I was having a conversation about nonprofits in our community and the pre-conversation thinking caused me to step back and pause and reflect on the state of affairs. In terms of governance, especially in this time of uncertainty, I wonder how well the boards are, in terms of skills, engagement and ultimately leadership.More specifically, with a spike in demand, a decrease in foundation, government and agency (such as United Way) funding, many, many area nonprofits are at a crossroads. Are their boards well-equipped - i.e. fiduciary role, turnaround management and/or strategic planning - to effectively serve the cause today and tomorrow?
I worry that financial support, ideological connection, loyalty and network(s) have placed too many board members in their seats, some of which might be warming up with the current environment.
I dislike raising the issue, without a solution, but I think many boards, and their executive committees, need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask whether they are the best people for the seat right now? And even going forward...
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