ABSTRACT
With the debate over public funding, a reduction in governmental financial support, and the increasing number of nonprofits competing for private donations, it is crucial for boards of directors to reexamine how they govern themselves and manage their resources.
A decade ago, a strong director and a competent staff could create a first-class institution and raise money to support it with minimal assistance from trustees. It is next to impossible to do that today. Success depends on the combined efforts of the director, staff, and board. Even the most seasoned administrators cannot succeed without the support and hard work of a proactive board&. [N]ew circumstances necessitate focused and knowledgeable board performance if the institutions are to achieve their mission and reach full potential&. [TJrustees are most successful when they have a clear understanding of their role in fulfilling an agency's mission&. Formal training, followed by mission review and strategic planning, is the best way to move forward. 1
