The Care-Based Model of Nonprofit Board Governance™

A free practice and reflection Workbook for nonprofit and NGO boards

Welcome. I’m so glad you are here.

The fact that you have come to this page tells me that you care deeply about your organization and the people connected to its work. Taking the time to pause and reflect on how your board governs is a meaningful act of care in itself.

Strong governance helps organizations remain focused on their mission, use resources responsibly, support their people, and create meaningful change.

The Care-Based Model of Board Governance™ complements your board’s legal and fiduciary responsibilities. It invites you to consider not only what your board does, but how it does it—and how its decisions affect people, relationships, communities, and the long-term health of your organization.

There is no score to achieve and no perfect board. This is simply an opportunity to pause, reflect honestly, learn together, and take meaningful action.

Download the Free Workbook
Fillable digital Workbook • No registration required

What you will explore

The Workbook will guide your board through three connected components:

Understand your context

Begin with the reality of your organization. Consider how its age, size, geographic scope, revenue, and external environment shape its needs and capacity.

Strengthen your foundation

Reflect together on your mission, vision, values, Board of Directors, representation, full participation, and commitment to care.

Identify your priorities

Explore eight areas of organizational life, including finances, internal processes, employees, volunteers, community relationships, programs, interconnected experiences, and continuous improvement.

By the end, your board will have created a practical governance roadmap with shared commitments, priorities, and next steps

How to use the Workbook

This Workbook is designed to support open and thoughtful conversation among board members. You may also wish to include your Executive Director or another key organizational leader.

There is no need to rush. Move through it at a pace that works for your board. Listen carefully to one another, make room for different perspectives, and approach the process with honesty, curiosity, and care.

The quality of the conversation matters far more than how quickly you finish.

So, gather your fellow board members, pour a cup of tea or coffee, and begin when you are ready.

Download the Free Workbook

Prefer to listen?

An overview of the Model

Listen to a brief introduction to the purpose, structure, and three components of the Care-Based Model of Board Governance™.

Reimagining Governance: From Control to Care

Join me for a conversation about approaching governance as a relational practice grounded in responsibility, participation, accountability, and care.

About the Model

I developed the Care-Based Model of Board Governance™ through my doctoral research. It has also been deeply informed by academic literature and by decades of experience in organizational development, leadership, human resources, and board governance.

This Model reflects both what I have studied and what I have experienced in real organizations. I hope it helps your board have honest conversations, recognize what is already working well, and identify where thoughtful change may be needed.

The Model is an educational and reflective resource. It does not replace the laws, fiduciary responsibilities, or governance requirements applicable to your organization.

Ready to begin?

Taking the time to reflect on your governance is itself an act of care—for your organization, your people, your community, and the work you are trying to advance.

I hope you find the Workbook meaningful and helpful.

Download the Free Workbook

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