Adapted from “Field Guide to Developing, Operating and Restoring Your Nonprofit Board”

– to get the publication, click on “Publications” at www.authenticityconsulting.com

Typical Contents of Nonprofit Board Manual

Each member of the Board should have a Board Manual, or Handbook, that contains the types of
contents listed below. Board members should be oriented to the contents, for example, during a
Board orientation session. Contents of Board manuals may differ somewhat among different
organizations, depending on the needs and nature of the organization, including the Board model
preferred by the nonprofit. The contents of the Board Manual and activities to update it might be the
responsibility of a Board Development Committee.

Legal Descriptions
Charter Documents Board Organization and Membership
Articles of Incorporation Organization Chart of Board
IRS letter of determination granting 501(c) Roles and Responsibilities of Board
status Job Descriptions of Board Officers and Other
Other evidence of exemptions from taxes Members
Licenses and Permits Board Committees and Charters
Registration for Solicitation List of Board Members (their organizations,
contact information, etc.)
Strategic Plan Board Member Biographies

Strategic Plan Document Board Operations

Mission, Vision and Values Statements
Goals and Strategies
Action Planning (objectives, responsibilities,
timelines, etc.)
Status Reports toward implementation of plan
Board Calendar
Work Plans ("to-do" list for each Board
committee)
Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes
Committee Meeting Agendas and Minutes
Reports from Chief Executive

Board Organization/Operations
Programs/Products and
By Laws and Policies Marketing
Board By Laws Program Planning for Each Program
Resolutions
Board Policies (some of which follow) Market Analyses
Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct Descriptions
Board Meeting Attendance Policy Service Objectives
Board Staffing Procedure Income Objectives
Board Application Form Evaluation Results
Board Member Contract
Board Conflict-of-Interest Policy Marketing and Promotions for Each
Program
Marketing and Promotions Plan
Positioning Statement
Brochures, articles, etc.

©2008 Authenticity Consulting, LLC  www.authenticityconsulting.com  800.971.2250  Page 1 of 2

Adapted from “Field Guide to Developing, Operating and Restoring Your Nonprofit Board”
– to get the publication, click on “Publications” at www.authenticityconsulting.com

Finance/Fundraising
Financial Management, Policies and Personnel (Staff) Policies and
Procedures Procedures
Fiscal Policies and Procedures Benefits and Compensation
Internal Control Policies (bookkeeping Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct
controls) Whistleblower Policy
Collections for Accounts Past Due Document Retention / Destruction Policy
Tracking In-Kind Donations Conference Room Layout / Reserving Rooms
Tracking Volunteer Hours Diversity Plan
Travel Reimbursements Dress Code
Other Reimbursements During Chief Executive's Absence
In Case of Fire
Financial Records/Data Forms to Check Out Keys
Use of Kitchen Area
Yearly Budget Large Mailings and Copy Lists
Budget Narrative Office Forms
Cash Flow Reports Office Supplies
Program Budgets Performance Management Policies
Financial Statements (performance appraisal, firing, etc.)
Financial Analysis Receptionist/Program Assistance Advance
Audit Reports Notice
Snow Days
Fundraising Special Recognitions
Fundraising Plan Telephone Coverage
Lists of Sources Time Tracking
Lists of Donors Vacations
Fundraising Reports

Community/Public Relations
Media Relations Policy
Interview Guidelines
Scripts (for reference during interviews)
Listing of Major Stakeholders and Contacts
Public Event Planning

Personnel Policies
Staff Organization and Data
Organization Chart
Job Descriptions
Staff Address List
Staff Information Form

©2008 Authenticity Consulting, LLC  www.authenticityconsulting.com  800.971.2250  Page 2 of 2