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Five Nonprofit Bylaws Issues That Are Often Overlooked
Articles, Intro to SE4N - Governance Benjamin Takis Articles, Intro to SE4N - Governance Benjamin Takis

Five Nonprofit Bylaws Issues That Are Often Overlooked

All nonprofit organizations should regularly review and assess their Bylaws to ensure this key governing document complies with the law and is optimally aligned with the organization’s governance needs and operational practices. The following are five common Bylaws oversights to look for when doing your organization’s next Bylaws review.

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Q&A #157 – What are the legal limits of an Executive Committee’s authority?
Q&A, Intro to SE4N - Governance Benjamin Takis Q&A, Intro to SE4N - Governance Benjamin Takis

Q&A #157 – What are the legal limits of an Executive Committee’s authority?

Executive Committees are often granted wide-ranging authority to the to act on behalf of a nonprofit organization and exercise the powers of the Board of Directors in between Board meetings. Absent additional, clarifying language in the Bylaws, committee charter, or Board resolutions, there are generally few legal limitations on an Executive Committee’s authority. However, there are some explicit and implicit limits that are important to consider

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Any Board Member Can Be a Board Champion
Articles, Intro to SE4N - Governance A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) Articles, Intro to SE4N - Governance A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA)

Any Board Member Can Be a Board Champion

The concept of a “Board champion” for a nonprofit organization is frequently misunderstood. Board champions do not necessarily have to be officers. They can be any responsible Board member who is willing and able to actively engage in helping the organization. Board members have the potential to help in many ways, both small and large, by sharing their experiences, skills, and aspirations for the organization. Even seemingly small ideas and offers to assist can sometimes have just as big of an impact as officer service.

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Past Presidents Can Be a Powerful Resource or a Missed Opportunity
Articles, Intro to SE4N - Governance A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA) Articles, Intro to SE4N - Governance A. Michael Gellman (CPA, CGMA)

Past Presidents Can Be a Powerful Resource or a Missed Opportunity

I have looked at many lists of Past Presidents for nonprofit organizations and been amazed by the roster of names, but I am often disappointed at how many Past Presidents have become lost connections. High performing nonprofits keep their Past Presidents engaged and connected with meaningful active roles that are thoughtful and strategic.

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