Ep. 131: From Bylaws to Budgets: What Should Be Included in a Board Handbook?
Jen Drago 
We discuss an important reference for nonprofit board members: A board manual/handbook as well as what to include and how to use the handbook.
New Year, New Boards: Creating a Handbook to Set Members Up for Success
As the new year begins, many nonprofits are welcoming new Board members for their first terms. These fresh faces bring energy, ideas, and expertise to the table—but without proper onboarding, they may struggle to understand their roles and responsibilities. That’s where a Board handbook comes in.
A Board handbook is more than a welcome packet. It’s a strategic tool that clarifies expectations, fosters confidence, and sets the stage for effective governance. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of a Board handbook and how it can empower your Board to hit the ground running.
Why Your Organization Needs a Board Handbook
An effective Board handbook isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential. Research shows that organizations with structured Board onboarding processes report 35% higher engagement and better governance outcomes. By providing clarity, consistency, and confidence, a handbook helps new members contribute meaningfully from day one.
A handbook ensures clarity by detailing roles, responsibilities, and organizational priorities. It fosters consistency by aligning all members with the nonprofit’s mission and strategic goals. And it builds confidence by giving new members the knowledge and tools they need to participate fully in discussions and decisions.
What to Include in Your Board Handbook
A comprehensive yet concise handbook is key to its success. Here are some recommended components:
1. Welcome Letter
Start with a personal note from the Board Chair or CEO to create a warm, inclusive tone.
2. Mission, Vision, and Values
Reiterate the organization’s purpose and guiding principles to inspire alignment and focus.
3. Strategic Plan Overview
Provide a summary of current goals and priorities to give context for decision-making.
4. Board Member Responsibilities
Clearly outline key duties, including attending meetings, participating in fundraising, and fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities.
5. Governance Documents
Include foundational documents such as bylaws, articles of incorporation, and key policies like conflict of interest and whistleblower policies.
6. Operational Basics
Offer practical details such as meeting schedules, staff contacts, and a glossary of nonprofit terms.
7. Financial Overview
Share a snapshot of the budget, audit summaries, and financial protocols for transparency.
8. Committee Structures
Define the roles and responsibilities of each committee to streamline involvement.
9. Evaluation Tools
Explain how the Board and individual members assess their performance to ensure accountability.
10. Resources & Next Steps
Provide suggested readings, links to webinars, or upcoming events to help members deepen their understanding of nonprofit governance.
Tips for Developing and Using the Handbook
Creating a Board handbook may seem daunting, but the process can be streamlined with a few practical steps. Start by collaborating with current Board members and staff to gather relevant information. Keep the content concise and accessible—focus on the essentials and organize the material for easy reference. Finally, assign a governance committee to review and update the handbook regularly, ideally on an annual basis.
Once the handbook is complete, make it a cornerstone of your onboarding process. Distribute it to new members during orientation, refer to it during meetings, and encourage feedback to continually refine the resource.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Some organizations hesitate to create a Board handbook due to perceived obstacles. Time constraints can make the project feel overwhelming, but starting with a basic framework and expanding over time can ease the burden. Resistance to change from existing members can be addressed by highlighting how the handbook simplifies processes and supports everyone’s efforts. And to ensure the handbook stays relevant, assign responsibility for updates to a specific Governance Committee member or staff member.
Start the Year Strong: Create Your Handbook Today
The start of a new year is the perfect time to invest in your Board’s success. A well-crafted handbook equips new members with the knowledge and confidence to lead effectively, ensuring your nonprofit thrives.
Ready to begin? ✅Download our free Board Orientation Checklist, "Onboarding for Impact: The Essential Checklist for Nonprofit Board Orientation," at https://bit.ly/4adTGxK.
And we’d love to hear from you! What’s in your Board handbook? Share your tips and experiences in the comments or connect with us on social media.
A strong Board builds strong organizations. Start with a strong foundation, and watch your nonprofit achieve its mission with clarity and purpose in the year ahead.
Categories: : Governance, Leadership, nonprofit