Basic Legal Responsibilities of the Board
Basic Legal Responsibilities of the Board
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What’s the role of the board of directors of a nonprofit corporation?
What’s the role of the board of directors of a nonprofit corporation?
Just as for any corporation, the board of directors of a nonprofit has three primary legal duties known as the “duty of care,” “duty of loyalty,” and “duty of obedience.”
Duty of Care
Duty of Care
Take care of the nonprofit by ensuring prudent use of all assets, including facility, people, and good will;
Duty of Loyalty
Duty of Loyalty
Ensure that the nonprofit's activities and transactions are, first and foremost, advancing its mission; Recognize and disclose conflicts of interest; Make decisions that are in the best interest of the nonprofit corporation; not in the best interest of the individual board member (or any other individual or for-profit entity).
Duty of Obedience
Duty of Obedience
Ensure that the nonprofit obeys applicable laws and regulations; follows its own bylaws; and that the nonprofit adheres to its stated corporate purposes/mission.
However, a board of directors does not exist solely to fulfill legal duties and serve as a fiduciary of the organization’s assets. Board members also play very significant roles providing guidance to nonprofits by contributing to the organization’s culture, strategic focus, effectiveness, and financial sustainability, as well as serving as ambassadors and advocates. Beyond fulfilling legal duties, board members can be important resources for the organization in multiple ways.
Basic Responsibilities of the Board
Basic Responsibilities of the Board
Establish Organizational Identity
Establish Organizational Identity
Determine Mission and Purposes, and Advocate for Them
Ensure Effective Planning
Ensure Resources
Ensure Resources
Select the Chief Executive
Ensure Adequate Financial Resources
Build a Competent Board
Enhance the Organization’s Public Standing
Provide Oversight
Provide Oversight
Support and Evaluate the Chief Executive
Monitor and Strengthen Programs and Services
Protect Assets and Provide Financial Oversight
Ensure Legal and Ethical Integrity
Sources: https://boardsource.org/board-service-infographic/
Expectations of Individual Board Members
Expectations of Individual Board Members
EACH INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBER IS EXPECTED TO:
EACH INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBER IS EXPECTED TO:
be passionate about the City of Boulder, Downtown Boulder and the Boulder community
know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs
faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements
serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission
leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve the mission
help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and can influence public policy
prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
DOWNTOWN BOULDER BOARD MEMBERS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO:
DOWNTOWN BOULDER BOARD MEMBERS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO:
be a current and active member of the Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP Board only)
serve a 3-year term on the board – members may serve 2 consecutive terms
attend no less than six (6) board meetings of ten (10) planned and committee meetings annually
agree to serve on at least one committee, as appropriate
voluntarily work at 3 or more DBP/DBCI events each year
personally contribute at least $100* annually to DBCI (above and beyond membership dues) as a board member to enhance downtown
actively support membership recruitment and sponsorship growth
* excludes BID officers, BID and “ex officio” public employees members
ALL BOARD MEMBERS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO:
ALL BOARD MEMBERS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO:
follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions
sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure and update it during the year if necessary, as well as disclose potential conflicts before meetings and actual conflicts during meetings
maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization
Board Glossary
Board Glossary
D.B.P. - Downtown Boulder Partnership
D.B.P. - Downtown Boulder Partnership
The Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organized to promote the civic, economic and commercial vitality and well-being of downtown Boulder and to preserve its historic and cultural environment. DBP is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Downtown as the heart of the greater Boulder community. It supports the overall vitality of Downtown through public policy advocacy and provides staff to implement the missions of the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District (BID) and the Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI). DBP’s 400+ member businesses support the overall vitality of downtown through leadership, community celebrations and public policy advocacy.
B.I.D. - Business Improvement District
B.I.D. - Business Improvement District
Downtown Boulder is also a business improvement district, meaning property owners tax themselves to make their community cleaner, safer and more vibrant. The tax is used by the Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) to purchase services that supplement those provided by the city and to provide a comprehensive consumer marketing program.
C.A.B - Community Advisory Board
C.A.B - Community Advisory Board
The Community Advisory Board was established to provide input and recommendations to DBCI and the family of organizations on issues relating to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The Community Advisory Board was established to provide input and recommendations to DBCI and the family of organizations on issues relating to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
C.A.G.I.D. - Central Area General Improvement District
C.A.G.I.D. - Central Area General Improvement District
The Central Area General Improvement District (CAGID - pronounced "kay-jid") and the City of Boulder’s Department of Community Vitality are responsible for parking operations and related services for the downtown area. The Downtown Management Commission (DMC) supervises the CAGID business affairs. CAGID / BID Map
C.V. - Community Vitality
C.V. - Community Vitality
The department of Community Vitality (CV) was formed in October 2015 as part of a reorganization of the Downtown and University Hill Management Division and Parking Services (including Boulder Junction) with the Economic Vitality work group previously within the department of Community Planning and Sustainability. Community Vitality serves the downtown, University Hill and Boulder Junction districts, the business community and many neighborhoods by providing quality programs and assistance, access and parking, maintenance and alternative mode services with the highest level of customer service, efficient management and effective problem solving.
D.M.C. - Downtown Management Commission
D.M.C. - Downtown Management Commission
The Downtown Management Commission (DMC) was established Jan. 1, 1988, to create one, cohesive commission that manages the Pearl Street Mall and the Central Area General Improvement District (CAGID). They meet monthly to review CAGID’s policies, programs and operations.
The Downtown Management Commission consists of five members appointed by the City Council, each to five-year terms. Three appointees must either own real property or represent owners of real property in the Downtown Boulder area. Two appointees are residents from the community-at-large. The Commission has the combined responsibilities of the previous Central Area General Improvement District Board and the Downtown Mall Commission, as well as quality of life improvements in CAGID.
D.B.I. - Downtown Boulder Incorporated
D.B.I. - Downtown Boulder Incorporated
Downtown Boulder Incorporated is the former name for the organization that is now the Downtown Boulder Partnership.
D.B.C.I. - Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives
D.B.C.I. - Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives
Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which works with the Downtown Boulder Partnership. Downtown Bolder Community Initiatives is a "Public Benefit Organization" which can receive tax-deductible contributions from individuals.
D.B.F. - Downtown Boulder Foundation
D.B.F. - Downtown Boulder Foundation
Downtown Boulder Foundation is the former name for the organization that is now Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives.
U.H.G.I.D. - University Hill General Improvement District
U.H.G.I.D. - University Hill General Improvement District
The University Hill General Improvement District (UHGID) was established in 1970 at the request of property owners who wanted to tax themselves to purchase land that could provide customers with two off-street public parking lots:
14th Street & College Avenue (42 parking spaces) and Pleasant Street & 12th Street (68 parking spaces)
In 1985, the scope of what the district could fund was expanded to include:
Pedestrian and bicycle amenities;
Improvements to the attractiveness and convenience of the district;
Incentive programs to encourage alternative modes of transit;
Maintenance of any of the above facilities and improvements within the public right-of-way.
UHGID spans a three block area.
T.A.B. - Transportation Advisory Board
T.A.B. - Transportation Advisory Board
The Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) advises City Council, Planning Board and city staff on community transportation issues.
TAB generally meets on the second Monday (and the fourth Monday, as-needed) of each month at 6 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 1777 Broadway. Meeting dates, times and locations are subject to change. TAB consists of five members appointed by City Council, each to five-year terms.
B.C.V.B. - Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau
B.C.V.B. - Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau (BCVB or CVB) promotes and manages tourism in Boulder County.
B.I.F.F. - Boulder International Film Festival
B.I.F.F. - Boulder International Film Festival
The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) happens each March in a number of locations in Downtown Boulder.
B.M.O.C.A. - Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts
B.M.O.C.A. - Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Arts (BMOCA - pronounced "be mocha") is located in Downtown Boulder on 13th.
V.I.C. - Visitor Information Center
V.I.C. - Visitor Information Center
The Visitor Information Center (VIC - pronounced "vick") located on Pearl Street at 13th is operated by the Downtown Boulder Partnership and provides resources and information for visitors to Downtown.
Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance
Directors and Officers (D&O) Insurance
Not-for-Profits / Board Resources
Not-for-Profits / Board Resources
Compass Point is a 43-year-old national nonprofit leadership practice based in Oakland, CA, that believes that nonprofits are powerful vehicles for positive social change and that creating a world free of oppression means practicing liberation inside and out.
BoardSource and its global network of leaders represent a broad and diverse cross-section of the social sector. They are committed to providing support that is relevant and accessible to organizations of every size, stage, geography, and programmatic focus. They are especially proud to be working in partnership with individuals and organizations that share our belief in the power of nonprofit organizations and leaders to advance the public good and that are working to create positive change in their communities and our world more broadly.
NonprofitAF is a fun, often sardonic, but usually useful take on not-for-profit culture.
Downtown / Cities
Downtown / Cities
IDA provides tools, intelligence and strategies for creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well-being of towns, cities and regions of the world. IDA's YouTube channel
DCI is a statewide nonprofit organization that provides a strategic methodology for revitalizing the local economy in Colorado’s communities.
Next City is a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire social, economic and environmental change in cities through journalism and events around the world. "Our vision is for a world in which cities are not in crisis and are instead, leading the way toward a more sustainable, equitable future."
CityLab is dedicated to the people who are creating the cities of the future—and those who want to live there. Through sharp analysis, original reporting, and visual storytelling, our coverage focuses on the biggest ideas and most pressing issues facing the world’s metro areas and neighborhoods. CityLab, originally called The Atlantic Cities, was launched in September 2011. CityLab rebranded in May 2014 with a new site and an expanded editorial mission. The current version of the site was launched in June 2017, highlighting a new focus on five areas of urban coverage—design, transportation, environment, equity, and life—as well as a new Solutions hub to collect the best ideas and stories for an urbanizing world.
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