Fidelity Investments Board Development Program

The Fidelity Investments Board Development Program at the Initiative for Nonprofit Excellence aims to enhance the governance and leadership of nonprofit organizations. The Rhode Island Foundation is grateful to Fidelity Investments for its generous sponsorship of this program.

The program:

• Educates members of nonprofit boards about their roles and responsibilities
• Encourages more people to serve on boards
• Gives board members and staff tools to help their organizations become more effective and sustainable

If you currently serve or are considering serving on a nonprofit board of directors, this program is for you. Executive directors of nonprofits are welcome to register when attending with at least one board member.

The program offers four workshops taught by a faculty of expert consultants. All sessions will be held at Fidelity Investments' campus at 500 Salem Street in Smithfield, RI 02917. Get directions to Fidelity Investments' campus.

2009 Schedule

Boards 101

Boards 101 provides an overview of the basic roles of boards, with particular emphasis on legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Participants will review the basic documents boards should have in place and learn about policies and practices they can utilize to ensure the legal and fiscal health of the organization. The session will also provide conceptual information and practical advice regarding the financial and fundraising responsibilities of board members.

Faculty: Frank Monti, CPA, KLR & Co., LTD
Date: September 15, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Fee: $50
Register online

Financial Sustainability

Financial Sustainability helps board members understand their role in safeguarding the financial viability of the organization. How can you assure that your organization’s programs are sustainable and that it is living within its means? How can you ensure that your organization is linking money to mission?

This program is tailored for larger organizations.  if your organization's annual budget is more than $500,000, this program is for you.

Faculty: Bill Pinakiewicz, Nonprofit Finance Fund
Date: October 7, 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Fee: $50
Register online

Board/Staff Relationships

The board and staff of any nonprofit must work hand-in-hand to ensure appropriate and flexible management and governance, and must respond to the challenges of our turbulent times. However, even with the best of intentions the relationship can be fraught with difficulty.

We’ll use issues that participants currently face to explore questions: How can nonprofits ensure that the board and staff are on the same page? What is the proper relationship between the board and the executive director? How can board and staff best work together to make decisions and set policy? Participants may submit their board/staff questions in advance of the workshop. 

Faculty: David Karoff
Date: November 19, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Fee: $50
Register online

Strategic Planning and Succession Planning

Strategic Planning and Succession Planning provides board members with a framework for thinking, planning and acting strategically for big impact. This session will also help nonprofits that are undergoing or anticipating a leadership transition, as well as those that wish to prepare well in advance.

Faculty: Gayle L. Gifford, ACFRE, Cause & Effect
Date: December 3, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Fee: $50
Register online