Governing for Nonprofit Excellence—Virtual
What You Will Learn
This nonprofit leadership program engages you in a rich learning experience that includes dynamic faculty presentations, case studies, and group discussions. Led by HBS faculty with expertise in board leadership and nonprofit management, you will examine how effective boards maintain mission clarity, forge productive relationships with CEOs, structure and manage important alliances, drive organizational performance, achieve financial sustainability, and lead transformational change.
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What You Will Learn
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This nonprofit leadership program engages you in a rich learning experience that includes dynamic faculty presentations, case studies, and group discussions. Led by HBS faculty with expertise in board leadership and nonprofit management, you will examine how effective boards maintain mission clarity, forge productive relationships with CEOs, structure and manage important alliances, drive organizational performance, achieve financial sustainability, and lead transformational change.
Program Format
The program will take place over seven half-days: Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM Eastern Time (ET), Friday, Oct. 20 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET, and Monday, Oct. 23 through Friday, Oct. 27 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET daily. Live online classes will run 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET. Participants will spend one hour with their discussion groups in the mornings before classes on Friday, Oct. 20 through Friday, Oct. 27 from 8:00 to 9:00 AM ET. Select days will also feature networking sessions or open conversations with faculty. The program sessions take place via the Zoom platform. Please note that there are no live program sessions scheduled from Saturday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 22.
Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups. Participants should expect to spend at least 10-15 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.
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Program Format
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The program will take place over seven half-days: Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM Eastern Time (ET), Friday, Oct. 20 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET, and Monday, Oct. 23 through Friday, Oct. 27 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET daily. Live online classes will run 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET. Participants will spend one hour with their discussion groups in the mornings before classes on Friday, Oct. 20 through Friday, Oct. 27 from 8:00 to 9:00 AM ET. Select days will also feature networking sessions or open conversations with faculty. The program sessions take place via the Zoom platform. Please note that there are no live program sessions scheduled from Saturday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 22.
Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups. Participants should expect to spend at least 10-15 hours on self-paced case preparation prior to attending the program. Case materials will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.
Key TopicsCollapse All
Board leadershipBoard leadership
- Creating innovative leadership models
- Defining the organization's purpose and mission for greatest impact
- Clarifying board roles and responsibilities
- Planning for CEO succession
Strategic stewardshipStrategic stewardship
- Assessing strategic options such as downsizing, scaling up, mergers & acquisitions, new revenue streams, and reinvention
- Analyzing new types of governance frameworks
- Examining novel fundraising strategies
Performance measurementPerformance measurement
- Establishing meaningful metrics to assess organizational performance
- Understanding the role of the board in driving measurement activities
- Implementing the right performance measurement systems
Financial oversightFinancial oversight
- Comparing new and traditional models of financial oversight
- Recognizing the impact of media attention on nonprofit finances
- Implementing processes for ongoing accountability and regulatory compliance
Transformational changeTransformational change
- Knowing when to make incremental improvements or radical changes
- Understanding the forms and mechanisms of transformation
- Experimenting with new goals, methods, and approaches
