“We help people build thriving communities”

Growth & Development

Board Development –
The board is the governing body of a nonprofit, the board of directors or board of trustees fulfills a variety of roles and responsibilities.  The main roles of the board are:

  • Oversees the financial operations of the organization
  • Maintains the legal and ethical standing of the organization and its staff
  • Provides leadership and strategic direction for the organization
  • Ensures that an organization remains accountable to its donors and to the general public
  • Helps with and contributes to fundraising

Where can my organization find board members?

  • Start with your dedicated and active volunteers
  • Consider asking your donors to join or for recommendations
  • Ask your current board and staff for nominations or recommendations
  • Reach out to people in your community, like youth, or people in business or from other organizations
  • Communicate the fact that you’re recruiting board members through: newsletters, word of mouth, radio
    stations, social media and Sierra NonProfit Services
  • Use volunteer recruitment web sites

What can you do as an organization for Board Development?
You can provide consulting, training or workshops by our qualified staff and trainers at Sierra NonProfit Services to help your newly formed or existing board through:

  • Board roles and responsibilities
  • Team building
  • Retreats
  • Basic and advanced communication skills

What does my organization need to have a successful board?
Be sure you are building a board with the right task in mind. Boards have multiple roles, from fundraising to care taking, governance, and oversight. Just like any company or corporation, it is important to do an assessment. Understand the skills that your particular non-profit needs to fulfill your mission.

  • Choose people who understand your mission and who understand the value they bring is beyond what they can give monetarily.
  • Don’t overload the board with names. Choose a manageable number of individuals that will be genuinely active and contribute in a concrete manner.
  • Ensure that the board is eager to engage with the organization and lend their expertise. Outline expectations and responsibilities up front.
  • Have at least one genuinely independent member, who neither donates nor benefits, that will bring true independence to  discussions.
  • Make sure people are coming to the board for the right reasons. Belief in the cause and a genuine interest in helping build a strong organization to address the non-profits cause.
  • Having a mix of individuals that have previously served on boards with those who are new to the boardroom will best marry  practice with enthusiasm and a desire to learn and contribute to the board.

Strategic Planning –
A strategic plan  is a tool that provides guidance in fulfilling a mission with maximum efficiency and impact. If it is to be effective and useful, it should articulate specific goals and describe the action steps and resources needed to accomplish them. It also brings the organization together and moves you forward as a whole.  As a rule, most strategic plans should be reviewed and revamped every three to five years.

We have trained professionals that can help your organization through the strategic planning process.

Mission Statement –
Why is a mission statement is important?
Some nonprofits wonder if writing a mission statement is even worth it. Research shows, however, that the writing of a mission statement is directly linked to greater returns on investment and greater focus.

What makes an effective mission statement?
The mission statement must be clear, short and communicated daily to be effective. Therefore, every member of the nonprofit should thoroughly understand the mission statement and the individual role they have in making it a reality.