The Sea Change in Nonprofit Governance: A New Universe of Opportunities and Responsibilities

Abstract

During the past two decades, our nation's nonprofit sector has undergone a tremendous increase in size and complexity causing a sea change in nonprofit governance. Today's standard of performance expected of trustees in nonprofits is much higher than it once was. Yet many trustees do not possess a clear understanding of their role, thus jeopardizing the future of nonprofits. This paper explains the causes and implications of this sea change in nonprofit governance and presents five success factors that the senior management of nonprofits can apply to improve board performance.