Building Better Boards: The Art of Building Boards that Work

Join Scandiuzzi Krebs as we dive into practical, community-focused strategies to help you build and strengthen your board of directors. Through a blend of theory, real-world examples, actionable strategies, and peer learning, we’ll share what a board is, why it’s important, what to look for in a great board member, and how to foster a thriving board culture.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to take your board to the next level, this monthly, four-session series is for emerging, small, and established cultural nonprofits in Washington State and Oregon, and will take place over Zoom every Friday from February 21 to May 16. Each session will run from 10 – 11:30am PST.

Full Dates:

Friday, February 21 - 10am - 11:30am

Friday, March 21 - 10am - 11:30am

Friday, April 18 - 10am - 11:30am

Friday, May 16 - 10am - 11:30am

Cost:

$265 for the whole 4-session series

Or attend individual sessions for $75 per session

Session Details:

What is a board?

Friday, February 21 - 10am - 11:30am

Function and Responsibilities. This session serves as a foundation for individuals eager to strengthen their understanding of nonprofit governance. What’s a board? How are they structured, and what are their responsibilities exactly? We’ll cover the basics, deep dive into the legal and fiduciary duties of board members, and their role in strategic planning, resource development, and executive oversight.

Why is my board important?

Friday, March 21 - 10am - 11:30am

The Role of a Board in Organizational Success. How can boards contribute to mission alignment? How about organizational accountability, resource development, and community representation? We’ll explore the critical role that a governing board plays in ensuring an organization’s success and sustainability, and in safeguarding public trust. We’ll also share tools to build and maintain effective governance structures.

Who do I want on my board?

Friday, April 18 - 10am - 11:30am

Finding Your People. What are the characteristics of effective board members? What are the various roles they can assume? How about best practices for recruitment and support? We'll explore the essential qualities, responsibilities, and contributions of board members. Learners will sharpen their ability to identify, develop, and support impactful board leadership.

How do I relate to my board?

Friday, May 16 - 10am - 11:30am

Strategies for Success. What are the essential tools and strategies needed to build and strengthen a high-performing board? We’ll focus on recruitment, engagement, governance, fundraising, and succession planning to create a cohesive and effective, mission-aligned board. Learners will gain the confidence and knowledge needed to foster a thriving board culture, and elevate their board’s effectiveness and sustainability.