Building Strong Foundations: Developing Bylaws and Board Member Expectations for Nonprofits

Effective governance is the backbone of a successful nonprofit. Clear, well-crafted bylaws and board member expectations help organizations operate smoothly, mitigate risks, and ensure alignment with their mission. Yet, many nonprofits struggle with outdated or unclear governance documents, leading to confusion, inefficiencies, and legal vulnerabilities.

In this session, a legal expert will guide nonprofit leaders through the key elements of strong bylaws and how to set clear expectations for board members. Attendees will learn best practices for drafting, updating, and enforcing bylaws to support a well-functioning board and organization. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining existing governance structures, this session will provide practical insights and legal considerations to help your nonprofit thrive.

 Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this session, participants will:
✅ Understand the essential components of nonprofit bylaws and their legal significance.
✅ Learn how to draft and update bylaws to ensure clarity, compliance, and adaptability.
✅ Define clear expectations for board members, including roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations.
✅ Explore strategies for board accountability and what to do when governance issues arise.
✅ Receive a bylaws checklist and a sample board expectations document to apply within their organization.

This session will be interactive and practical, equipping nonprofit leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to build strong governance structures that support long-term success.

Cost: $25

Facilitator: