Page 60 - Washington Nonprofit Handbook 2018 Edition

y Expectations of board members;

y Parliamentary procedure (if followed); and

y An overview of board manual contents.

All directors should receive a board manual, and the contents of the manual
should be updated on a regular basis. The board manual is typically developed by
staff in consultation with board officers or the board development committee. For
new board members, the manual serves as an orientation handbook that provides
useful information about the organization. For the remainder of a director’s term,
the manual becomes a central resource about the organization and the activities of
the board. Contents may include:

y Vision, mission, and values statements;

y Brief written history of the organization and/or an organizational fact
sheet;

y Brochures, newsletters, or other publications;

y Articles of incorporation, bylaws, and IRS determination letter;

y Key policies (e.g., conflict of interest, investment, travel/meeting
expense reimbursement);

y Most recent annual report;

y Most recent audited financial statements and form 990;

y Current strategic plan and/or other long-range planning documents;

y Current annual budget;

y Board meeting minutes;

y Written expectations/responsibilities of board members (both
individually and collectively);

y Committee descriptions;

y Directors’ and officers’ insurance coverage summary;

WASHINGTON NONPROFIT HANDBOOK -49- 2018