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Transform the Board/Executive Director Relationship:
From Burden to Strategic Partner

A Relationship and Communication Guide for Nonprofit Executive Directors and Board Leadership

I created this booklet for Nonprofit Leaders and Board Chairs.

It doesn't matter if you are a current or aspiring Executive Director or a Board Chair, this booklet is filled with strategies and tips to make that work easier on you and those who you serve.

I'm here to help you lead in a courageous and empowering way so your Board can partner effectively in innovation, problem solving, and accountability, all while in service of this mission of the organization.

  • This booklet is for all the Executive Directors who are working tirelessly to keep your organization on track and sustainable despite the distraction of preparing for meaningful and engaging Board meetings.

  • This is also for the Board Members who want to do the best job possible for the nonprofit you serve but find Board meetings are more a social gathering than a dedicated time to dive in and support the organization and your ED.

I believe that together we can work smarter, no matter what the world throws at us, to make a difference.

— Beth Wonson

  • A Message from Beth Wonson 1

    I Created This Booklet for Nonprofit Leaders and Board Chairs 2

    Introduction: You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone 3

    The old playbooks aren't working anymore. 3

    I get it. That’s why I am sharing my tools and expertise. 3

    Reflection Questions 4

    Chapter 1: Understanding the Three Growth Phases 5

    Phase 1: Start-Up/Launch 5

    Phase 2: Growth/Oversight 5

    Phase 3: Maturity/Institutional 6

    One Nonprofit's Growth Story: Safe Harbor Women's Center 7

    Start-Up/Launch Phase: "Kitchen Table to Crisis Line" 7

    Growth/Oversight Phase: "Professionalizing with Purpose" 8

    Lessons from Safe Harbor's Journey 8

    Reflection Questions 10

    Chapter 2: Where is Your Organization At? 11

    Diagnosing Your Board 11

    Be Aware of the Energy You Bring to The Room 12

    Self-Assessment: Determine Where Your Board Engagement is Today 13

    A Board Success Story 14

    Reflection Questions 15

    Chapter 3: Facilitating the Transition 16

    Finding Your Ally: The Board Chair/Executive Director Partnership 16

    Reflection Questions 18

    Chapter 4: Building the Board Chair/Executive Director Relationship 19

    Building Your Relationship with the Board Chair 20

    Starting The Three-Step Transition Process 20

    Timeline for Board Transformation 21

    Reflection Questions 22

    Chapter 5: Using Curiosity for Board Development 23

    The Power of Board Coaching 23

    Curious Questions and Board Coaching 23

    Curious questions with nonprofit Boards: 24

    Foundational Norms of Authentic Curiosity with Board Members 25

    When to Insert a Great Question During Board Interactions 26

    Sample Curious Questions for Nonprofit Board Coaching 27

    The Power of Curiosity in Nonprofit Board Governance 29

    Building Board Capacity Through Curious Coaching 31

    Term Limits Are Your Friend 31

    Shifting Focus from Fundraising to Fund Development 32

    A Reality Check On Fundraising 35

    Reflection Questions 35

    Chapter 6: Your Strategic Plan as a Board Engagement Tool 36

    Your Strategic Plan is Your Ultimate Tool for: 36

    Steps to Take Right Now 36

    Reflection Questions 37

    Chapter 7: Tools for Structuring and Sustaining Boards that Raise Money 38

    Key Questions to Bring Focus to Fund Development and Sustainability 38

    Shifting to Fund Development 39

    Main Components of a Fund Development Plan 39

    Factors that Lead to Fund Development Success 45

    Key Differences Between Fund Development and Fundraising 46

    Impact on Relationships and Sustainability 46

    Integrating Both Fundraising and Fund Development 47

    How Focus on Fund Development Shifts Your Boards Focus, Energy and Commitment: 48

    Bottom Line 48

    Reflection Questions 48

    Chapter 8: Your 90-Day Getting Started Checklist 49

    Week 0: Prepare Yourself 49

    Month 1: Assessment and Preparation 50

    Month 2: Building Relationships and Clarity 50

    Month 3: Implementation and Momentum 51

    This process will ultimately lighten your load. 51

    My approach is hands-on, and uniquely effective. 52

    Anticipated Outcomes 52

    Reflection Questions 53

    Wrap Up 53

    The real question is how much longer can you carry this alone? 53

    Your mission deserves a Board that's truly engaged in moving it forward. 53

Print Length: 53 pages
Published: Sep. 17, 2025
Author: Beth Wonson

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