Board Self-Assessment MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL SARA BEGGS, MARTY FLUHARTY

WHAT it is. Objective survey of board member knowledge, experience and perspective Compilation of results Prioritization of main themes Practical recommendations for moving forward Catalyst for grounded and productive dialogue

WHAT it isn’t. A replacement for good conversations Legal advice An outsider’s perspective An assessment of grants, grantees or impact* A comparison between your foundation and others.*

WHEN it is most useful. Regular check-up All is well (confirm or improve) Minor questions Transition coming up (succession, scaling up) Extra visit Specific question would like to resolve General sense of a problem Emergency room Complex dynamics or barriers making resolution difficult (+ bring in outside help!)

WHY: It reveals. Strengths of board and foundation Range of perspectives, concerns, values Difficult or unspoken issues in an objective, safe manner Gaps in knowledge or understanding Hopes, dreams, and vision

WHY: It engages. Positive and collegial Integrates voices equally Safe way to express differences or concerns Shows grantees you are serious about healthy organizations

WHY: It improves. Clarify focus, priorities, goals, objectives Articulates roles, responsibilities, expectations and levels of engagement Fine-tune governance and management Become more efficient in operations (time and resources) Improve communication and therefore relationships Gain a fresh perspective on how we evaluate our work

Tips for Board Buy-In Work with an ally who will introduce topic to the board Have one-on-one conversations with individuals who are reluctant: listen well Don’t make it a bigger deal than it is. Read and share Exponent Philanthropy’s primer on board self-assessments with the board Share stories of others’ experiences Discuss motivations, expectations, and goals with full board

Project Streamline HOW to Choose: Know Your Choices …consulting firms …independent consultants… DIY …

Focus or culture of assessment Online v. on paper Staff support Timing: when can you do it; how long does it take Is data aggregated or case-by-case? What kind of reports are provided? What does it cost? HOW to Choose: Consider scope & process

Effectiveness of the Board Grantmaking Foundation strategy, communications, accountability Tax & legal Financial management Topics specific to foundation type (family, corporate, independent, community/public, staffed or unstaffed) Individual board member self-assessment HOW to Choose: Consider specific areas of need

Example of Exponent Philanthropy Survey I.Effective Foundation Boards A.Roles & Responsibilities B.Building a Healthy Board C.Setting Direction D.Running the Board Effectively E.Board Dynamics F.Governance II.Board’s Role in Grantmaking A.Grantmaking Program & Process B.Doing Good Grantmaking III.Legal & Tax Issues A.501(c)(3) Legal Issues B.Private Foundation Legal Issues C.Private Foundation Tax Issues IV. Financial Oversight & Investments A.Financial Oversight B.Investment Process Supplements Family Corporate Community Staffed Individual Board Member Self-Assessment

HOW it works Final Report 1.Context 2.Strengths 3.Opportunities for Improvement/Topics for Discussion (prioritize) 4.Recommended Next Steps

Board Assessment Resources Accountability Self-Assessment Tool Practical Board Self-Assessment: Improve Your Foundation’s Effectiveness Primer Practical Board Self-Assessment (DIY or with staff support)

Resources available to CMF members: 10-Minute Impact Assessment & Guide10-Minute Impact Assessment & Guide Identify where you stand on the impact spectrum and learn to increase the impact you have. Getting to Impact Discussion Guide Series Getting to Impact Discussion Guide Series Discussion guides to facilitate meaningful conversation with your board or community. Getting to Impact Primer SeriesGetting to Impact Primer Series: Learn the basics of planning and evaluation that even funders with few or no staff can implement. Trustee Handbook Trustee Handbook : The essential resource for every board member. Foundation Guidebook Foundation Guidebook Gives you the baseline knowledge to operate your foundation smoothly and effectively. 20% off FREE

Sara Beggs Senior Program Director Exponent Philanthropy Blog: PhilanthroFilesPhilanthroFiles LinkedIn: ExponentPhilanthropyExponentPhilanthropy Marty Fluharty Executive Director The Americana Foundation (248)