Stetson University Center for Community Engagement | Community Impact

Category: Community Partners

  • Non Profit Leadership Cohort: Governance and People – Week 2: The Board

    In Week 2 of the Non Profit Leadership Cohort, participants turned their attention to one of the most influential forces in nonprofit success: the Board of Directors. A well-functioning board provides more than oversight—it offers vision, accountability, and the partnerships needed to sustain long-term impact. This session unpacked the essential roles of nonprofit boards and encouraged leaders to think critically about building strong, engaged governance teams.

    Roles & Responsibilities

    Board members serve as stewards of the mission. Their responsibilities extend beyond attending meetings—they set strategic direction, ensure financial oversight, and uphold accountability to stakeholders and the community. Cohort participants examined how effective boards balance governance with support, providing both high-level leadership and practical partnership with staff.

    What Makes a Good Board Member?

    Not every volunteer is the right fit for board service. A good board member is committed to the mission, willing to contribute time and resources, and open to learning. The session emphasized the importance of diversity in skills, backgrounds, and lived experiences. A board thrives when its members bring complementary perspectives, collaborate respectfully, and maintain a willingness to both lead and listen.

    Boards and Fundraising

    One of the most crucial (and sometimes most challenging) responsibilities of a board is fundraising. Cohort members explored the many ways board members can contribute—beyond simply writing a check. This includes opening doors to new donors, cultivating relationships, making thank-you calls, and telling the organization’s story with passion. Effective fundraising requires every board member to play a role, reinforcing that sustainability is a shared responsibility.

    Board Orientation

    Strong boards don’t just happen—they are built through intentional onboarding and education. The session highlighted the value of a board orientation program to set expectations, introduce organizational culture, and provide tools for success. Ongoing training and support keep members engaged, informed, and ready to govern with confidence.

    Discussion: Board Dynamics

    No two boards are alike, and board dynamics can shape how well a nonprofit functions. Cohort participants engaged in a candid discussion about common challenges, from communication breakdowns to unclear boundaries between governance and management. The group reflected on strategies to build trust, encourage collaboration, and address conflict before it undermines the organization’s work.

    Looking Ahead

    Week 2 reinforced the reality that boards are more than a legal requirement—they are partners in advancing the mission. By clarifying responsibilities, recruiting the right members, and cultivating healthy dynamics, nonprofits can unlock the full potential of their boards.

    As the Governance and People series continues, participants are building a toolkit to strengthen their leadership and better align people, purpose, and governance.

  • Non Profit Leadership Cohort: Governance and People – Week 1: The Org

    The Non Profit Leadership Cohort launched its Governance and People series with a foundational focus on “The Org”. In this first session, participants explored the building blocks of nonprofit organizations, gaining clarity on the systems, values, and priorities that shape effective leadership. Week 1 emphasized that strong governance and intentional people-centered leadership are not optional—they are the engine that drives impact and sustainability.

    The Lifecycle of a Nonprofit

    Every nonprofit evolves through a recognizable lifecycle, from its early start-up phase to growth, maturity, and in some cases, renewal or decline. Understanding where an organization sits on this continuum allows leaders to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and design strategies for resilience. This lens helps nonprofit leaders appreciate that growth is not always linear; instead, it requires adaptability, self-awareness, and ongoing investment in people and systems.

    Mission, Vision, Values, and Outcomes

    At the heart of every nonprofit are the guiding statements that define who they are and why they exist. Participants revisited the importance of a clear mission, an aspirational vision, and organizational values that inform culture and decision-making. Equally critical are outcomes—the measurable impact that demonstrates progress toward the mission. This combination ensures nonprofits can articulate both purpose and accountability to stakeholders, funders, and the communities they serve.

    The 9 Gears of Successful Nonprofits

    Strong organizations don’t thrive on passion alone. The session introduced the 9 Gears of Successful Nonprofits, a framework that highlights the interconnected systems needed to function at full capacity. These gears—ranging from leadership and governance to fundraising, marketing, finance, and evaluation—remind us that an organization is only as strong as its weakest gear. Alignment across these systems enables nonprofits to move from surviving to thriving.

    Strategic Priorities

    With countless needs in the community, clarity of focus is essential. Cohort members practiced identifying strategic priorities—the core areas that will drive impact and growth. Priorities serve as a compass, ensuring that programs, staffing, and resources align with the mission. By setting achievable yet ambitious priorities, organizations can channel energy where it matters most, avoiding the trap of trying to do everything for everyone.

    SWOT Analysis

    A practical tool for setting those priorities is the SWOT Analysis: identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Through this exercise, leaders take stock of internal realities and external conditions. It’s not just about identifying problems, but also about recognizing assets and opportunities for innovation. Cohort participants explored how SWOT builds a shared understanding among boards, staff, and stakeholders, setting the stage for collaborative action.

    Compliance and Transparency

    Finally, the session underscored the importance of compliance and transparency. Legal obligations, financial reporting, and ethical practices are the baseline expectations of nonprofit governance. But true transparency goes further—inviting community trust through open communication, clear reporting, and authentic storytelling. Cohort members reflected on how governance structures and accountability systems not only protect organizations but also amplify credibility and impact.

    Looking Ahead

    Week 1 laid the groundwork for nonprofit leaders to view their organizations holistically—balancing vision with accountability, and passion with structure. By grounding leadership in strong governance and people-centered practices, nonprofits can build sustainable organizations ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

    The Non Profit Leadership Cohort continues in the weeks ahead, diving deeper into the themes of governance, leadership, and community impact. Together, participants are equipping themselves to lead with integrity, clarity, and courage.