CNG presently works in partnership with the Galesburg Community Foundation serving nonprofit leadership teams within the foundation's Central Illinois service region. Read the CNG/Galesburg Case Study.

CNG provided the framework that the library board and library foundation board are currently lacking. As a result, trustees from both organizations will be developing a three-year strategic plan. The plan will provide the impetus to create measurable goals and objectives that will impact budget allocations and improved library services to the residents of Galesburg. I know from past experience that a long range plan can and does create opportunities for an organization and creates excitement for share holders. Shareholders can be donors or people who benefit from the services offered by the organization. Either way, you have buy-in from your community.

Pam Van Kirk, Galesburg Public Library

As a member of the Board of the Galesburg Community Foundation, I participated in the beta version of the Certificate for Non-profit Governance training. I found that the sessions helped me as a board member to keep my eyes on the mission of the Foundation. The training was straightforward and easy to understand. Beyond that, I was able to work collaboratively with other members of my organization to build consensus on roles and responsibilities, which will allow us to be even more effective. The Certificate for Non-profit Governance training is definitely time well spent and a unique opportunity for the Galesburg community.

Joel Estes
Vice-Chair, Galesburg Community Foundation

Certificate in Nonprofit Governance

To lead a nonprofit organization in today’s difficult economic environment has become increasingly complex. Effective governance skills are absolutely essential and board members must be thoughtful and engaged big picture leaders, not competent and passive stewards of the status quo.

The Certificate in Nonprofit Governance* Program (CNG) is important training for nonprofit board members and organization management in key areas of governance for:

maintaining board level strategic focus
establishing and maintaining governance committees
understanding legal and financial responsibilities
policies and procedures for effective board operation
resource development and image building
understanding how to work with senior executives and management teams

CNG's target audience includes current and future nonprofit board members, senior nonprofit executives and nonprofit management teams. The program is designed to achieve four primary goals:

Prepare current and future board members to serve with distinction on nonprofit boards
Prepare senior executives to serve with distinction on nonprofit management teams
Strengthen governance practices in the nonprofit sector
Build inter-organization partnerships that improve the health of your community

The Certificate in Nonprofit Governance Program brings respected experts in the field of board governance into the classroom (see bios) to deliver training in key areas of governance in order to:

Understand roles and responsibilities of the board and CEO
Assess your current strategy
Identify board gaps and recruit and develop new leadership
Learn how to execute an effective fund development program
Build the organization
Ensure legal and ethical integrity
Maintain financial accountability
Build an effective “leadership partnership” between the board and CEO

Delivered in four full day sessions, CNG provides instruction, guided practice and resources to guide each team through the development and implementation of an effective governance program for their organization. Included are the required management principles and materials necessary to understand the governance process, a step-by-step guide, questions to ask and answer, and the online and offline tools necessary to be successful. Course features include:

Completion of BoardSource’s Board Self-Assessment
Pre-session reading materials, published by
Class lectures
In class discussion and exercises
Templates to use
Homework assignments
Course Hotline

The Certificate in Nonprofit Governance measures success as outcomes are achieved during and after the program. Assessment criteria are established for each participating organization's leadership team as individualized improvement plans are developed during the program. Plans get monitored and performance tracked by a local sponsor of the program, for instance a community foundation, that brings the program to their region. In this way CNG maintains local focus and follow-through partnership with a funding stakeholder for community nonprofits within their defined service region.

CNG presently works in partnership with the Galesburg Community Foundation (http://www.endowgburg.org/) serving nonprofit leadership teams within the foundation’s Central Illinois service region. Read the CNG/Galesburg Case Study.

*NOTE: The Certificate in Nonprofit Governance utilizes tools provided by BoardSource, but is not otherwise affiliated with BoardSource or its Certificate of Nonprofit Board Education. For more information about BoardSource, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the public good by building exceptional nonprofit boards and inspiring board service, visit www.boardsource.org.

Below is a sample outline of the program. Customization of program content and sequencing of sessions are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Session 1 - Strategy

Be able to lead a discussion on what is “good governance”
Be able to lead a discussion on the role strategic management plays in “good governance”

Session 2 - Board Performance

Be able to critically assess your organization’s board structure
Understand and be able to discuss the critically important role of the governance committee
Understand and be able to discuss the board building cycle

Session 3 - Fund Development

Understand and implement an effective fundraising process
Increase board members fundraising comfort and skill level

Session 3 - Communication Strategy and Image

Understand effective external and internal strategic communications

Session 4 - Financial Oversight

Understand how to protect the financial integrity of your organization
Critique, evaluate and improve financial policies and procedures

Session 4 - Legal and Ethical Considerations

Understand what it takes to fulfill fiduciary responsibilities

Session 4 - Leadership Partnership

Understand the CEO succession planning process
Understand best practices in evaluating the CEO

The Certificate in Nonprofit Governance provides training in key areas of governance to help executive leaders and board members understand their roles and responsibilities to becomethoughtful and engaged “big picture” leaders and learn sound practices for successful execution...what boards must do.

During the program participant teams of executive and key board leaders clarify their roles and responsibilities to governance, strengthen their working relationships and enhance their ability to think and act strategically as a leadership team.

After the program, work continues implementing internal improvements cited in a Governance Implementation Plan developed by each team for their organization over the four sessions of the program. Individual participants are awarded the Certificate in Nonprofit Governance by actively participating in each session and completing required assignments.

CNG is presently offered in partnership with the Galesburg Community Foundation serving nonprofit leadership teams within the foundation’s Central Illinois service region. Read the CNG/Galesburg Case Study.

Randall Rollinson
Bio | Contact

Linda Snell
Bio | Contact

Nike Whitcomb
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Kathryn Vanden Berk
Bio | Contact