Cohort 1: Building the Foundation
Nonprofit Board Effective Governance
Building the Right Board Culture from the Beginning
Strong organizations are built on strong boards. This series helps emerging nonprofit leaders lay the groundwork for clear roles, healthy relationships, and shared accountability, so the board culture you build today supports your mission for years to come.
Wednesdays · October 21, November 4 & November 18 · 9:30–11:30 AM
Who Should Attend
Newly formed nonprofits, grassroots organizations, founders, emerging executive leaders, new board chairs, and organizations still developing their governance infrastructure and board culture.
Program Details
- Dates: Wednesdays, October 21, November 4 & November 18
- Time: 9:30–11:30 AM
- Location: Details will be shared with registrants
- Cost: Free for Members
Building the Right Board Culture from the Beginning
Strong organizations are built on strong boards. This series helps emerging nonprofit leaders lay the groundwork for clear roles, healthy relationships, and shared accountability, so the board culture you build today supports your mission for years to come.
The Sessions
Three two-hour sessions on Wednesdays. One registration covers all three.
Session 1 · Wednesday, October 21 · 9:30–11:30 AM
From Founder-Led to Board-Governed
Clarify the difference between governance and day-to-day operations, understand how early expectations shape long-term board culture, and identify the structures needed for a healthy transition to shared governance.
Tools: Governance vs. Operations Tool; Founder-to-Board Transition Reflection
Session 2 · Wednesday, November 4 · 9:30–11:30 AM
Building a Board Culture That Works
Using The Ladipo Group’s Building B.R.A.V.E.™ Cultures framework (Belonging, Respect, Accountability, Voice, and Empathy), define what healthy board culture looks like, recognize behaviors that build or erode trust and engagement, and learn to spot early warning signs.
Tools: Board Culture Self-Assessment; Healthy Board Culture Discussion Guide
Session 3 · Wednesday, November 18 · 9:30–11:30 AM
Governance in Practice
Apply governance principles to real board situations, recognize when unclear expectations or avoided conversations are fueling conflict or disengagement, and develop practical approaches to communication, follow-through, and decision-making.
Tools: Governance Scenario Practice; ED/Board Chair Alignment Questions
What You’ll Walk Away With
- Greater clarity about where governance ends and operations begin
- Practical language for conversations about expectations and accountability
- Stronger communication between board and executive leadership
- At least one specific area identified for greater clarity in your own organization
- A plan to start a board-level conversation about how members want to work together