BOARD GOVERNANCE

The health of a nonprofit rises or falls with its board. A strong board builds trust, protects integrity, and helps an organization move with clear purpose. A weak board leaves teams confused, leaders unsupported, and impact diminished.

This course equips you to build, train, and sustain a board that governs well—grounded in shared mission, legal responsibilities, and God-honoring leadership. You’ll explore practical frameworks for defining board roles, running effective meetings, onboarding new members, and evaluating board performance. Whether your board is in its early stages or ready for a refresh, this course gives you the structure and tools to strengthen it.

YOU'LL WALK AWAY WITH

  • A full overview of board structure, legal duties, and core responsibilities
  • Strategies for board recruitment, orientation, culture, and engagement
  • Templates for board job descriptions, evaluations, meetings, and bylaws
  • Tools to navigate conflict of interest, accountability, and fiscal oversight
  • A CAFO Certificate of Completion to demonstrate your learning

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Customizable Tools
& Templates

Access editable job descriptions, bylaws checklists, board meeting agendas, evaluation tools, and succession plan templates.

Team Discussion &
Summary Guides

Facilitate group learning with team prompts and built-in tools for onboarding, culture-shaping, and strategic discussion.

CAFO Certificate of
Completion

Show your commitment to growth and best practices with a downloadable certificate from CAFO.


A PROVEN FRAMEWORK FOR BETTER CARE

This course is part of CAFO’s Core Elements of Success program, which provides a clear roadmap to improving outcomes for vulnerable children through evidence-based training on key aspects of quality care.


Drawing from global best practices and enriched by insights from NGOs, field experts, and experienced leaders, each course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to provide quality care for vulnerable children and families. Topics range from child protection and confidentiality to board governance and fiscal accountability—giving you the resources to implement best practices across every aspect of your organization, ensuring your efforts lead to meaningful, positive outcomes.


If you're committed to achieving measurable results—rather than just hoping for positive outcomes—and need actionable strategies and tools to improve your program, this course is for you.


CAFO’s Core Elements of Success: Simplified care improvement, designed for you.

AT A GLANCE

Equip your board to lead with clarity, accountability, and purpose.


  • Who is This Course For?
  • Organizational leaders guiding programs that serve children and families globally
  • US-based staff supporting international boards or advising field partners
  • Network leaders equipping others with tools for nonprofit leadership and accountability
  • Time Commitment
  • Fully self-paced
  • This course take 4-5 hours to complete, but you’re welcome to move at your own pace.
  • Price
  • $89 CAFO Members
  • $99 Non-Members
  • Need help covering the cost? Learn about scholarships and group discounts.
  • Coupon codes can be applied at checkout.

COURSE CURRICULUM PREVIEW

  Introduction
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  Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities of the Board
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  Board Composition and Recruitment
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  Board Member Orientation and Engagement
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  Board Meetings
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  Board Culture and Engagement
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  Board Evaluation and Accountability
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  Learning from our Partners
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  Conclusion
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CHOOSE A PRICING OPTION

If you are an individual or organizational CAFO Member, you receive a discounted rate on all Core Elements courses. Learn more about becoming a CAFO Member.