Executive Education
    H a r v a r d | B u s i n e s s | S c h o o lExecutive Education
    Need Help? Contact Us: Program Advising team Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
    Governing for Nonprofit Excellence
    Critical Issues for Board Leadership
    Dates: TBD
    Location: HBS Campus
    Fee: TBD

    The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials.

    This program includes live online classes, self-paced work, discussion groups, and virtual networking. Download brochure for detailed schedule.
    Program Announcement
    Governing for Nonprofit Excellence will not run in-person in 2022. You may be interested in the related live online program: Governing for Nonprofit Excellence—Virtual, running 20-28 OCT 2022. If you have any questions, please contact executive_education@hbs.edu.

    Summary

    To fulfill their mission, nonprofit organizations depend on their board for strong, innovative leadership. Governing for Nonprofit Excellence prepares you to excel in your role as a board member and to contribute at a higher level. As you gain insight into four essential competencies of nonprofit governance—board leadership, strategic stewardship, performance measurement, and financial oversight—you will learn how to drive the strategic and organizational transformation that enables your nonprofit organization to thrive.

    This program is offered in cooperation with the HBS Social Enterprise Initiative.

    You may also be interested in the related program: Governing for Nonprofit Excellence—Virtual.

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    Summary

    To fulfill their mission, nonprofit organizations depend on their board for strong, innovative leadership. Governing for Nonprofit Excellence prepares you to excel in your role as a board member and to contribute at a higher level. As you gain insight into four essential competencies of nonprofit governance—board leadership, strategic stewardship, performance measurement, and financial oversight—you will learn how to drive the strategic and organizational transformation that enables your nonprofit organization to thrive.

    This program is offered in cooperation with the HBS Social Enterprise Initiative.

    You may also be interested in the related program: Governing for Nonprofit Excellence—Virtual.

    Key Benefits
    This nonprofit governance program delves into the critical issues facing nonprofit board leaders. You will examine the latest governance frameworks, performance and measurement systems, oversight models for ensuring accountability and compliance, and the dynamics between boards and CEOs. With a deeper understanding of board roles and responsibilities, you will emerge a stronger leader and a more strategic steward for your organization.

    DetailsCollapse All

    Solidify your organization's leadershipSolidify your organization's leadership
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    • Create value-adding board leadership processes
    • Clarify your organization's mission and who will lead it
    • Foster productive board and CEO relationships
    Execute your organization's mission more effectivelyExecute your organization's mission more effectively
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    • Assess your organization's objectives and plan for the future
    • Structure and manage important alliances
    • Establish systems for gauging organizational performance
    • Place your organization on a solid and sustainable financial foundation
    Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network
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    • Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
    • Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

    Key Benefits Dropdown up

    Key Benefits Dropdown down

    This nonprofit governance program delves into the critical issues facing nonprofit board leaders. You will examine the latest governance frameworks, performance and measurement systems, oversight models for ensuring accountability and compliance, and the dynamics between boards and CEOs. With a deeper understanding of board roles and responsibilities, you will emerge a stronger leader and a more strategic steward for your organization.
    Details

    Solidify your organization's leadership

    • Create value-adding board leadership processes
    • Clarify your organization's mission and who will lead it
    • Foster productive board and CEO relationships

    Execute your organization's mission more effectively

    • Assess your organization's objectives and plan for the future
    • Structure and manage important alliances
    • Establish systems for gauging organizational performance
    • Place your organization on a solid and sustainable financial foundation

    Expand your personal and professional network

    • Extend your network by living and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
    • Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

    Who Should Attend

    • Chairs and other members of nonprofit boards who have significant leadership responsibilities—but are not full-time employees—for organizations with operating budgets in excess of $1 million in any nonprofit sector
    • Not appropriate for: Industry or trade associations, management support organizations, or consulting firms

    Attendance by two or three board leaders from the same organization will foster teamwork and amplify the program's impact.

    Program fees are subsidized by Harvard Business School and its Social Enterprise Initiative. Limited, additional need-based scholarship funding may be available. Visit the HBS Social Enterprise Initiative website for scholarship information.

    Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

    Global Perspective Experience the world in your classroom. /Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=99 Experience Years worked /Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=100 Education Highest level attained /Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=101
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    Who Should Attend

    • Chairs and other members of nonprofit boards who have significant leadership responsibilities—but are not full-time employees—for organizations with operating budgets in excess of $1 million in any nonprofit sector
    • Not appropriate for: Industry or trade associations, management support organizations, or consulting firms

    Attendance by two or three board leaders from the same organization will foster teamwork and amplify the program's impact.

    Program fees are subsidized by Harvard Business School and its Social Enterprise Initiative. Limited, additional need-based scholarship funding may be available. Visit the HBS Social Enterprise Initiative website for scholarship information.

    Program for Leadership Development participants earn 3 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

    Global Perspective Experience the world in your classroom. /Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=99 Experience Years worked /Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=100 Education Highest level attained /Lists/Infographics/EditForm.aspx?ID=101

    Learning and Living at HBS

    When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

    Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

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    Learning and Living at HBS

    When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

    Review Our Campus Health & Safety Protocols

    Admissions Criteria and Process

    We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.
    Read More
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    Answering Your Questions

    Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

    Application Submission

    We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

    Application Review

    To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

    Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

    The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

    Admissions Criteria and Process Dropdown down

    Admissions Criteria and Process Dropdown down

    We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

    Answering Your Questions

    Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

    Application Submission

    We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

    Application Review

    To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

    Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

    The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.
    Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

    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, and achieve financial sustainability:

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    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, and achieve financial sustainability:

    Key TopicsCollapse All

    Board leadershipBoard leadership
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    • Creating innovative leadership models
    • Focusing on defining the organization's mission for greatest impact
    • Clarifying board roles and responsibilities
    • Planning for CEO succession
    Strategic stewardshipStrategic stewardship
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    • Assessment of strategic options such as downsizing, mergers, and new revenue streams
    • New types of governance frameworks
    • Novel fundraising strategies
    Performance measurementPerformance measurement
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    • Establishment of meaningful metrics to assess organizational performance
    • Role of the board in driving measurement activities
    • Performance measurement systems
    Financial oversightFinancial oversight
    Dropdown down
    • New versus traditional oversight models
    • Impact of media attention on nonprofit finances
    • Processes for ongoing accountability and regulatory compliance

    Key Topics Dropdown up

    Key Topics Dropdown down

    Board leadership

    • Creating innovative leadership models
    • Focusing on defining the organization's mission for greatest impact
    • Clarifying board roles and responsibilities
    • Planning for CEO succession

    Strategic stewardship

    • Assessment of strategic options such as downsizing, mergers, and new revenue streams
    • New types of governance frameworks
    • Novel fundraising strategies

    Performance measurement

    • Establishment of meaningful metrics to assess organizational performance
    • Role of the board in driving measurement activities
    • Performance measurement systems

    Financial oversight

    • New versus traditional oversight models
    • Impact of media attention on nonprofit finances
    • Processes for ongoing accountability and regulatory compliance

    The HBS Advantage

    Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

    Faculty Chair
    Herman B. 'Dutch' Leonard
    Herman B. 'Dutch' Leonard
    Herman B. 'Dutch' Leonard

    Herman B. 'Dutch' Leonard

    Harvard Business School:

    Eliot I. Snider and Family Professor of Business Administration

    Harvard Kennedy School:

    George F. Baker, Jr. Professor of Public Sector Management Teaching Programs

    HBS Unit:
    General Management

    Read Full Bio

    Faculty
    Lynda M. Applegate
    Lynda M. Applegate
    Lynda M. Applegate

    Lynda M. Applegate

    Baker Foundation Professor and Sarofim-Rock Professor of Business Administration, Emerita

    HBS Units:
    Entrepreneurial Management
    General Management

    Read Full Bio

    Christine L. Exley
    Christine L. Exley
    Christine L. Exley

    Christine L. Exley

    Assistant Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

    Read Full Bio

    V. Kasturi Rangan
    V. Kasturi Rangan
    V. Kasturi Rangan

    V. Kasturi Rangan

    Baker Foundation Professor, Malcolm P. Mcnair Professor of Marketing, Emeritus

    HBS Unit:
    Marketing

    Read Full Bio

    Dropdown down Dropdown up

    The HBS Advantage

    Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

    Faculty Chair
    Herman B. 'Dutch' Leonard
    Herman B. 'Dutch' Leonard
    Herman B. 'Dutch' Leonard

    Herman B. 'Dutch' Leonard

    Harvard Business School:

    Eliot I. Snider and Family Professor of Business Administration

    Harvard Kennedy School:

    George F. Baker, Jr. Professor of Public Sector Management Teaching Programs

    HBS Unit:
    General Management

    Read Full Bio

    Faculty
    Lynda M. Applegate
    Lynda M. Applegate
    Lynda M. Applegate

    Lynda M. Applegate

    Baker Foundation Professor and Sarofim-Rock Professor of Business Administration, Emerita

    HBS Units:
    Entrepreneurial Management
    General Management

    Read Full Bio

    Christine L. Exley
    Christine L. Exley
    Christine L. Exley

    Christine L. Exley

    Assistant Professor of Business Administration

    HBS Unit:
    Negotiation, Organizations & Markets

    Read Full Bio

    V. Kasturi Rangan
    V. Kasturi Rangan
    V. Kasturi Rangan

    V. Kasturi Rangan

    Baker Foundation Professor, Malcolm P. Mcnair Professor of Marketing, Emeritus

    HBS Unit:
    Marketing

    Read Full Bio

    View Frequently Asked Questions

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