Updating the Board Manual

For many nonprofit organizations, the fall marks the start of a new round of board meetings.  If you are thinking it's time to update the board manual, here is an outline of what should be included in it.  Optimally, the manual should be given to the board at the time of its annual new member orientation.  And a word about production: Put it in loose-leaf format in order to facilitate updates.

• Calendar of public events
• Schedule of board meetings
• Articles of Incorporation
• By-laws
• Statements of mission, vision, and values
• Roster of members of the board of directors with full contact information
• List of committees, standing and ad hoc, and their members
• List of staff members with titles and work contact information
• Position descriptions of senior staff members
• Capsule history of the organization
• List of individual board member expectations
• Position descriptions of officers
• Copies of operating licenses and accreditation certificates
• List of associations to which the organization belongs
• List of professional advisors, such as attorney, auditor, insurance broker, public relations representative
• Summary program descriptions with staff listing and location information
• Minutes of meetings of the board of directors (prior twelve months)
• Current strategic plan
• Financial statements (prior twelve months)
• Annual report (most recent)
• Audit (most recent)