Code of Ethics A code of ethics outlines the ethical principles that govern a nonprofit’s behavior and decisions. Governance Documents We believe that good corporate governance serves the long-term interests of stockholders, strengthens the Board and management, and further enhances the public trust 3M has earned from more than a century of operating with uncompromising integrity and … Articles of Incorporation (Filed April 1977) Nonprofit board governance is the combination of systems, guidelines, and processes used to make decisions, hold decision makers accountable, and take action. Board Orientation Chart 5. Nonprofit Expert provides free resources for nonprofits of all types and sizes! The contracts include “everyday” documents such as independent contractor and subcontractor agreements, volunteer agreements, liability waivers, and website and trademark license terms. Sample—Code of Ethics for Board Members (PDF) A Code of Ethics for board members helps define your organization’s principles and acceptable practices and provides guidance and direction for board conduct and decision making. Consent Agenda (PDF) A useful tool for helping your board meetings run smoothly and efficiently. These are archetype legal documents. The key players in a nonprofit organization are the directors, officers, committees, members, executive director, staff and volunteers, and any existing advisory boards or friends groups. Expend income on anything intended to advance any purpose other than your tax-exempt purpose. The nonprofit relationship materials include affiliation, fiscal sponsorship, resource sharing, commercial co-venture, corporate sponsorship, commercial fundraiser, coalition, collaboration, chapter, merger, and asset transfer agreements. We welcome feedback about the site, but please understand that we don’t have capacity to field questions about any of the documents. This website contains a collection of forms and precedent legal documents relating to nonprofit organizations. This individual self-evaluation will help you personally assess your board service. Form to Evaluate Board Meetings (PDF) A quick self-assessment to gauge the effectiveness of your board of director meetings. The articles of incorporation and bylaws of the organization should be reviewed at least every few years and whenever the committee or the board is aware of a change in the law or governance practice that is inconsistent with one or more provisions of the governing documents. As a public service, we post our most recent IRS 990 forms here. This sample board member contract defines responsibilities from both organization and board member perspectives. We also won’t be providing Word versions of any documents in line with capacity limitations and with the principle that these materials are samples and sources of ideas for lawyers, not ready-to-use forms. Governance Documents CompassPoint is pleased to share our Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and key governance documents below. Do some board members seem disengaged? Document Destruction and Retention Policy (PDF) Document retention is a required practice for all corporations, including nonprofits. We thought this site was a way to share that point of view in a practical and concrete manner. When it comes to nonprofit governance, we are usually referring to the governing of nonprofit boards. Your review or use of a document made available on the site does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Clinic or any of its lawyers or students. Adopting an Emergency Succession Plan can help you ensure that essential functions continue uninterrupted by outlining a plan for the appointment of an acting executive director. Charter - Executive Committee 7. Board Development Pre-Assessment (PDF) Would your board benefit from board training? Nonprofit organizations that fight to improve social problems should consider incorporating explicit language on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their governance documents in attempt to achieve “race equity” (defined by Equity in the Centre as “the condition where one’s race identity has no influence on how one fares in society”). Meeting minutes; IRS Form 990 — All nonprofits must indicate whether the board has approved certain policies and followed specific processes when making governance decisions. Are some of the board members unsure of their role? The importance of diversity and inclusion in terms of board governance. Here is a zip file with all the folders pre-created for you. Can also be used as a kick-off to discussion with board chair. But, because nonprofit leaders also need to understand the demands of strategy implementation in the nonprofit sector, we will also explore the distinctive aspects of NPO management, particularly the most critical issues facing those leaders today. Documents the record board decisions and activities. We wanted to start addressing that gap in the resource base. Form for Prospective Board Candidates (PDF) A questionnaire to help determine if prospective board members are a good fit for your organization. Good governance is crucial for a nonprofit to not only effective, but to attract the kind of board members, volunteers, and staff that make the organization stronger over time. DonorPerfect is proud to sponsor this information resource for the nonprofit community. Are members actively involved? Document Destruction and Retention Policy (PDF) Document retention is a required practice for all corporations, including nonprofits. We do not guarantee that they reflect current law or are otherwise complete, much less that they are appropriate for use in any specific situation. Tips for Developing Bylaws (PDF) Bylaws are the internal rules and regulations that guide a board’s activity and answer important procedural questions. Adopting a policy for document retention and destruction ensures that you are in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Governance Documents. Getting familiar with the key documents for your nonprofit corporation can be tedious, but it's essential -- these documents contain important rules about how you must operate your nonprofit. We think it’s instructive to view legal work-products as products, and to try to learn from the design community in how we approach, design, and execute legal documents. As a charitable nonprofit corporation exempt under the IRS code 501(c)(3), our governance and financial documents are a matter of public record. The degree of formality depends on the internal rules of a given organization and, externally, with its business partners. Board Member’s Activity Report (PDF) An excellent way for board members to be aware of their individual activity and engagement over the year. Here are some guidelines on how to put one together. Sample Bylaws 2. Nonprofit governance simply means how your nonprofit is administered. No one committee, director, or individual can control the organization. The site is targeted to lawyers and legal educators. The earned income materials include a variety of program delivery, service, consulting, licensing, facility rental, and other contracts. Their adoption by nonprofits may also improve the ability of corporations to attract charitable Use this helpful tool to get a snapshot of your board. 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