Marty Martin leading a session on increasing Board performance.
	Comments from Training Participants "The workshop served as a compass in showing me the direction the board needs to take in organizational development." “A wake-up call. Being on a board is more than just ‘being on a board’. Really opened up my eyes.” “I think the biggest change that occurred was the awareness that the organization is not just a neighborhood social club-but a functioning legal entity with fiduciary responsibilities assigned to its leaders.” “Provides focus and strategies for future board recruitment, fund raising, and analysis.” “I am on four nonprofit boards for various organizations in the county and it helps me to realize I need to evaluate if I was doing a good job for each.” “I am motivated to become more educated and improve my own capacity.” “This will help us to re-focus on our core mission to our members and the community. This will open discussion on many new topics and procedures.” “Effective tools to take back to the organization.” “It will help me recruit effective board members and set us up to succeed as an organization.” “If we have the stamina and persistence to carry the message, it will serve us well in changing the culture of our organization.” “Learned the need to convey to the board the seriousness of their commitment and responsibility. The need to face the divisive issues and not ignore them. Thanks for great insights and opening our minds to new approaches.” “I was really unaware of the criteria for a board so this course definitely opened my eyes to what the board should be doing to aid our organization.”

To serve on a board of directors now requires knowledgeable and engaged members. Responsible for their organization’s activities, boards of directors are accountable both to federal and state authorities in fulfilling their mission and responsibility to the public. Their organization must meet increasing expectations from internal and external stakeholders. How well their organization performs requires a board to develop a strong governance and management culture.

Click the video image to see Marty Martin advising students at NC State.

Educating board members and staff about these challenges is key to developing and sustaining strong and accountable boards and organizations. Marty Martin provides a range of talks and programs for a board of directors and staff. Provided either as an individual session or in a series to strengthen a board and organization’s capacity, these programs can help a board and organization to know, understand, and deliver what is expected.

Custom Programs and Webinars

The programs below are usually delivered in person. Some programs, however, can also be delivered to your organization and board through a webinar broadcast. A webinar permits an interactive format in either a group or individual setting. The webinar format can be a particularly valuable and cost-effective format if you have a small to mid-sized organization that is located outside of the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Upon request Marty Martin will also create and speak on other topics to meet your organization’s particular needs in addition to those listed below. Contact him to discuss your priorities.

Board Accountability and Governance

Transparency in Board Governance and Management - The IRS 990 Form

The Internal Revenue Service completely revised the 990 tax form which is now required to be filed by all nonprofit tax exempt organizations regardless of size. This program provides an introduction and overview to the key management, governance, and reporting issues required to complete this form.

Board Governance and Management Assessment Survey

Using an extensive web based survey, board members will learn about key areas for which they have governance and management responsibility while evaluating the board as whole. Using the survey results, a board can then work to strengthen its processes and procedures to better manage and lead their organization and board.

S.O.A.R.–To Develop a Strong Board

Developing a strong board now requires consideration of its board members throughout their life cycle involvement with nonprofit. This program provides a four step process to develop a stronger and more accountable governing board.

Board Orientation and Legal Considerations

A board of directors has increasing accountability and legal responsibility for its actions. This program provides a good overview for the new or old board member and executive director in the evolving legal and governance environment in which nonprofit organizations and their board members now operate.

Board Governance: Linking Performance and Prestige

Increasing accountability from an organization’s internal and external stakeholders now require a fully engaged and active board of directors who actively manage the organization. This day long workshop will introduce participants to the Balanced Scorecard as a management and governance model to map strategy and to establish a high performing organization.

Practical Fun(d) Raising for Boards and Staff

A board is responsible for securing the resources for its organization with fun(d) raising a component of their governance duties. This program looks at some of the practical considerations for board and staff in fun(d) raising.

Practical Considerations About Liability

With increased accountability and responsibility, boards of directors now must also consider their liability. This program considers a range of ways by which a board may seek to limit their liability.

Advocacy and Public Policy

Nonprofit organizations may seek to affect public policy. This program looks at some of the opportunities and limitations to consider.

Information and Documents - Read, Retain, and Retire

Nonprofits must establish a document retention and destruction policy and must comply with legal requirements when personal information is inappropriately accessed or released. This program looks at issues relating to a nonprofit's use of its information.

Nonprofit Organizations

Starting a Nonprofit

Starting a nonprofit organization combines acts of passion and faith with Internal Revenue Service filings. This program considers what is required to start a nonprofit and secure its tax exempt status.

Non profit and For Profit Organizations

Nonprofit, social enterprise, for profit organizations, and corporate social responsibility are means by which to create economic, social, and community impact. This program discusses some of the legal and operating considerations when these various organizations seek to work together.

More Comments from Training Participants “Excellent, knowledgeable instructor with very useful handout materials.” “Several AFP members recently heard a presentation by Marty Martin, JD, MPA on the role of board members in the fund raising process. It was excellent and needs to be repeated to a broader audience.” “Paradigm of SOAR easy to understand and includes simple steps for implementation.” “Laser focused.” “First session was great–anticipated second day.” “I thought this program was informational, enjoyable, and excellent.” “Useful details of things to keep in mind when meeting with both NPO and FPO who want to make alliances.” “Lots of suggestions. We plan to incorporate these in our board planning.” “Encourage organizations to send more board members.” “Gives clear indicators, measures to assess effectiveness of board and need for strategy.” “Excellent speaker. Well prepared and organized. PowerPoint presentation helpful. His part of the manual will be used in the future. He was very willing to answer questions.” “Thank you for an incredible experience which will only improve our participation as an NPO (board or volunteer).”

 

“Helping You Achieve Your Mission”^©

** Legal counsel and consultant for non-profit, private, and public sector organizations **