Board Development

A highly functioning board will guide your nonprofit into the future.

Board Consultation

Do you have questions about best practices in board governance? Do you need guidance on effective board roles and responsibilities, use of committees, or challenging board member dynamics? Our board development team is here for you.

At some point, every nonprofit leader wrestles with board issues. It may be as simple as how to develop an effective board meeting agenda, or as complex as dealing with board dynamics. Or perhaps it’s just validating what you are already doing. Our consulting team is experienced in all aspects of board matters and can be a valuable resource for you and your organization.

For more information on how we can help, use our contact form or call us at 907-743-1200.

Board Facilitation

Are you looking for ways to be more effective or to solve a problem or to learn and grow together as a team? We believe that using an experienced facilitator will help you get to the results your team needs.

At Foraker we believe our role is convener, facilitator, and at times guide on your sustainability journey. Our customized approach ensures you are getting to the results you need and that you are moving your mission forward.

We will create a customized and engaging process that encourages everyone to contribute to the topics at hand.

Below are just a few of the topics we can address during a facilitation:

  • Recruiting and retaining board members
  • Clarifying roles and responsibilities and establishing job descriptions for each role
  • Establishing effective committees
  • Working through issues that are “hot topics” for your organization
  • Developing positive team dynamics
  • Facilitating a successful board/CEO relationship
  • Drafting effective board and committee job descriptions
  • Providing strategies for board philanthropic giving
  • Planning of all types including strategic and annual planning

Board Courses

Training is important no matter how skilled you are in a particular area. It can give you new ways of viewing an idea or concept, and increase your knowledge on a specific subject.

We offer courses in many areas of board development. Don’t see a subject you need? No problem, use our contact form or call us at 907-743-1200 to explore the possibilities.

We also offer classes to help the board with financial stewardship, human resources, fundraising, and engaging in public policy.

Board Resources

Find tools and resources to improve your board development.

Board Public Policy Committee Job Description – Example
A Public Policy Committee helps the organization identify, prioritize, and monitor public policy issues; recommends annual policy priorities to the board; and provides guidance and recommendations on emerging issues throughout the year.
Eight Phases of Board Succession Planning – A Guide
A practical, eight-step process for recruiting, engaging, developing, assessing, and transitioning board members.
Board Manual Table of Contents — Example
A board manual is a practical guide that brings together the key information, documents, policies, and resources board members need to understand their roles and make informed decisions.
Board Fundraising Committee Job Description – An Example
A customizable fundraising committee description outlining the committee’s roles and responsibilities.
Active Meeting Engagement
Ideas for engaging your staff and board in meetings
Board Vice President or Chair-Elect Job Description Example
A sample job description for the Vice President or Chair-Elect
Board President/Chair Job Description
A job description for the board of directors' leader.
Self-Assessment Prospective Board Members
This checklist provides considerations for individuals exploring board service.
Negotiating a Healthy Board-CEO Relationship – A Guide
A checklist guide for a healthy board-CEO relationship.
Board Service: Duty of Care, Loyalty, Obedience Board Oversight – A Guide
What does it mean to serve on a board with duty of care, loyalty and obedience?
Board Focus on What Matters the Most
Concentrate on the board roles that matter the most
Board Meeting Agenda Template
The goal of a board meeting is to move the organization forward while building a successful team. Agendas can vary given the scope of the work for the board and the dynamics of the current organization.
Board Meeting Minutes Template
Template for recording board meeting minutes.
Board Member Job Description
A sample job description for your board members.
Board Recruitment Matrix – A Guide
Do you need to bring new people onto your board? Filling out this matrix will ensure you recruit the right people for the next 3-5 years.
Directors And Officers Insurance Policies Checklist
Does your organization need D&O insurance? This checklist will help you decide and guide you in deciding what should be covered.
Using Mission Moments To Connect Your Team
Mission moments are designed to help your board feel connected to your mission.
Board Secretary Job Description
A sample job description for your board secretary.
Board Treasurer Job Description
A sample job description for your board treasurer.

Alaska Board Match

Connecting for diverse and inclusive Alaska Nonprofit Boards.

Alaska Board Match is an online match tool created to help nonprofits establish more diverse, inclusive and welcoming board rooms. This site also assists in pairing Alaskans ready to serve local nonprofits in need of the right board members at the right time.

Visit akboardmatch.org