Board Governance Boot Camp
Empowering Nonprofit Boards for Greater Impact
Strong, well-equipped nonprofit boards are the backbone of thriving organizations. Board members bring invaluable expertise, networks, and passion, yet many may not have formal experience in nonprofit governance or fundraising. At CVNL, we believe in unlocking the full potential of nonprofit boards through targeted training and strategic development.
Experience level:
Beginner – Intermediate.
This comprehensive four-part training series is designed to strengthen nonprofit boards by providing essential governance knowledge, proven best practices, and practical leadership skills. Across four focused sessions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of board roles and responsibilities, learn how to build effective structures and processes, and develop strategies for long-term success and impact.
The program begins with Fundamentals of Effective Governance, establishing a strong foundation in nonprofit governance, clarifying the distinct roles of individual board members and the collective board, and exploring the difference between operational and governance decisions. Participants will learn how to apply practices that enhance board structure, clarify roles, build strong team dynamics, and ensure continuity.
The second session, Structure, Committees & Assessment, provides tools to prevent common board dysfunctions such as unproductive meetings or lack of strategic focus. Topics include understanding committee and advisory team structures, running effective board meetings, and using board and chief executive assessments to improve performance.
In Strategic Board Development, participants will explore how to “get the right people around the table” by assessing board composition and leadership needs, recruiting and orienting new members, providing ongoing training and development, and using key metrics and dashboards to evaluate board performance.
Finally, Boards and Fundraising tackles one of the most critical yet often challenging aspects of board service. This session demystifies fundraising, addressing common myths, exploring best practices, and guiding board and staff members in working together to achieve fundraising goals. Through interactive activities and role-play scenarios, participants gain actionable skills, tailored guidance, and a resource workbook to support continued success.
Cancellation policy: If plans change and you are no longer able to attend, we will transfer your enrollment and payment to the next program cycle. Funds must be applied and used within a 6 (six) month period. We do not offer refunds.
Schedule:
Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
Program Details:
- Format: A four-part, live, instructor-led training series designed to strengthen nonprofit board governance and leadership effectiveness
- Topics Covered: Each session builds on the last, covering the fundamentals of governance, establishing strong board structures and assessments, developing a strategic and engaged board, and enhancing board member roles in fundraising.
- Learning Approach: Interactive sessions featuring expert instruction, peer discussions, real-world examples, and actionable tools that participants can immediately apply to their board work.
- Class Size: Limited to 30 participants to ensure personalized attention and meaningful discussions.
Our Faculty
Our faculty members are experienced and working professionals, who combine strong theoretical frameworks and real-life industry knowledge.
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Linda Jacobs
Chief Executive Officer
Linda has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) sinc…
Tom Hayashi
Chief Capacity Building Officer
Tom comes to CVNL with over 20 years of fundraising, senior management, and consulting experience which repres…
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Who Should Attend?
The Board Governance Boot Camp is ideal for nonprofit board members (new, experienced, or prospective), board officers, and committee chairs seeking to enhance their leadership and governance impact. Whether you’re stepping into a board role for the first time or looking to deepen your boardroom effectiveness, this program offers practical insights and strategies to succeed.
It’s also a valuable opportunity for executive directors/CEOs and nonprofit professionals who work closely with boards and want a stronger understanding of governance best practices and board-staff partnership dynamics. If you’re ready to strengthen your governance knowledge and drive organizational success through effective board leadership, this program is for you.
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Tuition & Scholarships
CVNL is pleased to offer partial scholarships to Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and under-represented individuals who are nonprofit staff or volunteers serving in Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties.
These scholarships are made available by generous grants from the Peter A., and Vernice H. Gasser Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sonoma County, the Solano Community Foundation, Marin Community Foundation, and U.S. Bank. For more information on scholarships, please complete the request form here or contact us at learning@cvnl.org.
SPONSORED IN PART BY:
