Search Results for: node/board
Speed Up the Board Recruitment Process!
Three easy ways to accelerate the nonprofit board recruitment process by pre-qualifying prospective candidates.
Boards of All-Volunteer Organizations
All-volunteer organizations (AVOs) are a major social and economic force, but are seldom given credit for their work.
Transition Tips for Chief Executives and Boards of Directors
The stronger the relationship between the board and chief executive, the better they work together for a planned transition.
A Board-Staff Agreement for Financial Accountability
Use this helpful template, and a discussion on the finance committee with the ED and the finance staff to clarify roles around accountability.
The Board Just Fired Me …and I’m the Founder!
A nonprofit founder provides a first-person account of what it’s like to be fired from her organization — by a board that she had put together.
The 7 x 7 Board Member Briefing
7×7 board briefings are when each board member makes a 7 minute presentation, followed by 7 minutes of questions, answers & responses.
Recent Posts
Navigating the nonprofit world can be challenging. Blue Avocado offers expert guidance on a range of topics — from building strong boards to maximizing your fundraising impact. Explore our latest posts for practical tips, strategies, and solutions to common issues facing nonprofit organizations today.
Insider Newsletters: An Easy Way to Keep Your Board in the Loop and Engaged
Insider newsletters give your board members upbeat news in quick, regular bites — so your work will stay present to them between meetings.
Should the Board Hold Executive Sessions?
Executive sessions can help nonprofits have frank discussions about staff performance, and help the board develop a sense of itself.
Ditch Your Board Composition Matrix
Board composition matrices focus our attention on what people are, rather than on what the organization needs board members to do.
When Does Interim Nonprofit Leadership Make Sense?
With proper planning, attention, and openness to change, an interim ED can overcome challenges that can derail a nonprofit’s best-laid plans.
Bylaws Checklist
This checklist points out the necessary elements in bylaws. It’s important to also stay compliant with applicable state and city laws.
12 Ways for New Nonprofit Executive Directors to Succeed
Some easy and important ways for board members to help a new executive get started quickly and on the right foot.
Readers’ Thoughts: Secrets to Successful Succession
Survey results and advices on the challenging topic of transitioning from a founder to new leadership within a nonprofit.
Why Every Nonprofit Needs Couples Therapy: Inside the Executive Director–Board Chair Relationship
A quick look at why the ED–board chair relationship can make or break a nonprofit, and how simple “couples therapy” habits like clear expectations, healthy conflict, and regular check‑ins can prevent small tensions from becoming crises.
Boards Should Only Have Three Committees!
Consultant David La Piana discusses how boards tend to be frustrated with their committees when they don’t know how to organize them.
Blue Avocado
Next FREE Webinar w/ Live Q&A: Why Nonprofits Need Directors and Officers Insurance June 11, 2026 • 11am PT Are Executive Orders Impacting Your Nonprofit? FREE Webinar w/ Live Q&A: Legislative & Executive Threats to Your Nonprofit July 31, 2025 • 11am PT Are Executive Orders Impacting Your Nonprofit? Please visit the Submit Your Article Become a part […]
Where Should the Board Chair, the ED, the Staff Sit?
Where everyone sits reflects organizational philosophy, and is a strong message to all about authority, participation, and the board’s role.
Cow Board Members Give of Their Time, Not Milk
Cow board members donate hours at meetings and asking others to give milk debate whether or not they should give milk themselves. Moo.
The Very Good but Seriously Flawed Executive Director
No executive director has all gifts, and many are brilliant. But what about the nonprofit CEO who is terrific in some ways but whose strengths are matched with some troubling flaws as well?