Having selected your initial Board of Directors, it is now vital that each member be aware of their specific role and responsibility. To ensure success, you’ll want well-crafted job descriptions for each board member outlining their duties in the organization’s governance. These are included in the organization’s Bylaws.

Some nonprofit boards form working committees made up of board members and other experts or willing volunteers. These committees operate under the Board of Directors and provide advice or carry out tasks directed by the board.

An organization’s Board of Directors is required to meet at least once a year. However, it should meet as often as necessary to accomplish the needs of the organization. Committees may meet more often than the entire Board of Directors to achieve their goals.

It is essential to announce the meeting with the notice required by the organization’s Bylaws, have a written agenda, and recorded minutes at each meeting. The minutes should identify any discussion topics, vote tallies, and outcomes of issues identified in the agenda. These minutes should be kept with the organization’s records and are often required for grant applications or annual reporting. In rare occurrences, meeting minutes indicating a vote of approval is required to open a bank account.