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PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
- Being prepared to talk about your participation on the board. Utilizing a grant story is a good way to give an example of what the foundation does. Be available for conversations with current and potential donors, initiate conversations as appropriate.
- Utilize your foundation’s printed materials, media releases and newsletter articles as appropriate.
- Host a local event such as a meet and greet or a donor thank you reception.
- Connect with Fund Advisors of funds under your affiliate, thanking them for entrusting your foundation with their gifts and, as appropriate, reminding them of Spendable Balance notices and the Nov. 1 deadline.
- Maintain an overall understanding of financial status of the affiliate, especially its Operating Fund
- For more information on Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Board Member responsibilities, visit Board Leadership Responsibilities & Best Practice
HOW ARE AFFILIATE BOARDS ORGANIZED?
Building your board. Boards usually range from 5-11 members, including officers, and hold meetings at least quarterly on a consistent schedule. Click here for a comprehensive look at the Job Descriptions.
- Strive for diversity of race, gender, age, talents, etc.
- Seek representatives from government, educators, faith groups, and business sectors
- Value of time as much as a person’s capacity for financial contributions
- Consider a person’s flexible schedule, interest in the community, and willingness to roll up their sleeves
- Avoid “seat fillers”, “talking heads,” and “meeting attenders”
CKCF recommends that boards elect at least a chair and secretary/treasurer. See your affiliate’s policies and procedure agreement for details on board officers. Affiliates have some leeway: some boards have officers including vice chair and separate Secretary and Treasurer. General Help –if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Affiliate Coordinator if you have questions.
- Affiliate Agreement Example (Contact Affiliate Coordinator for your local copy)
- Affiliate Procedures of Operation Example (Contact Affiliate Coordinator for your local copy)
- Glossary of Terms
The board should maintain a timeline that includes:
- An annual meeting date to elect officers, recognize outgoing members, and celebrate achievements of the year. This should be consistent with the date listed in your Affiliate Agreement.
- Board member term dates. Provide terms to Affiliate Coordinator for recording in CKCF’s database. (Develop succession plan for officers so that the transition of board leadership goes smoothly.)
- Dates of events such as grant/scholarship cycles, grant awards ceremonies, Spendable Balance announcement and November 1 deadline, and other annual activities.
- The date of your strategic planning meeting with CKCF staff or outside facilitation, a good practice is bi-annual.
- Click here for an example of a Yearly Timeline – Goessel CF Year at a Glance
