Governance Matters ®

Key Questions to Ask Grantees about Governance

1. Board members

  • What is the total current number of members?
  • What is the demographic makeup of the Board (age, gender, ethnicity, etc.)?
  • How many of the members are from the community served by the agency? (More at "Mixing it Up.")
  • Are any staff people voting members of the Board?
  • How many members have joined or have left in the past three years?

2. Board meetings

  • What is the total number of meetings per year?
  • What is the average percentage of board members attending?
  • Who sets the agenda (e.g., Board chair or executive director)?
  • Do Board members receive information in advance of meetings?
  • How often are financial reports reviewed by the Board?

3. Structure

  • Do Board members have terms?
  • If yes, terms last how many years? How many terms are allowed?
  • What is the average number of years of service of Board members?
  • Is the Executive Director the Board Chair?
  • Are Board members required to serve on one or more committees (or other work groups)?
  • Is there a formal nominating and orientation process in place?
  • When did the Board last review the Executive Director's performance?
  • Does the organization have a conflict-of-interest policy in place?
  • Does the organization have Directors & Officers insurance?
  • When did the Board last conduct a self-assessment or review?
  • When did the Board last develop an agency-wide strategic plan? Did the full Board participate?
  • When did the Board last review and approve the agency mission statement?

4. Committees/Task Forces

  • How many Board members are on the Executive Committee? How many meetings a year do they meet?
  • How many Board members are on the Resource Development Committee? How many meetings a year do they meet?
  • How many Board members are on the Nominating Committee? How many meetings a year do they meet?
  • How many Board members are on the Program Committee? How many meetings a year do they meet?
  • How many Board members are on the Finance/Audit Committee? How many meetings a year do they meet?
  • How many Board members are on the PR/Marketing Committee? How many meetings a year do they meet?
  • How many Board members are on Other Committees? How many meetings a year do they meet?

5. Fundraising

  • What percentage of Board members participate in annual giving?
  • What amount is required of Board members to give annually, if any?
  • What percentage of agency revenues is raised by the Board?