Meeting 4 – Board Requisite and Training

The Board Requisite and Training focuses on essential areas related to board requirements and professional development. This section is divided into three key areas:

1. Personal Giving: This area emphasizes the importance of board members making meaningful personal contributions to the organization, according to their means and within legal stipulations. Achieving 100 percent board giving demonstrates each member’s commitment and trust in the organization. It also enhances their credibility as fundraisers and inspires other donors to contribute.
   
   
2. Board Retreat: Recognizing the need for dedicated time to address complex issues, this area highlights the inclusion of an annual retreat in the board’s meeting schedule. Retreats provide an opportunity for the board to focus on significant matters that may require more in-depth discussion than regular board meetings allow. Retreats also facilitate reflection on board responsibilities, practices, and long-term organizational planning. The informal setting of a retreat fosters strategic discussions and strengthens interpersonal dynamics among board members.
   
   
3. Board Size: This area emphasizes the importance of determining the optimal board size based on the board’s specific needs. Factors such as board responsibilities, committee structure, legal requirements, organizational life cycle, diversity considerations, and maintaining a manageable group influence board composition and size. While there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation, boards with fewer than five members may struggle to incorporate desired qualities and capacities, while exceptionally large boards may face challenges in engaging every member constructively. Regardless of size, all board members must be actively engaged and equally accountable for the organization’s success.

Through these three areas, the Board Requisite and Training section of the training program equips boards with the knowledge and strategies to foster a culture of philanthropy, prioritize professional development, and establish effective board structures. By focusing on these areas, boards can strengthen their financial sustainability, enhance board dynamics, and optimize their collective impact on the organization.