Governance Q&A: Should nonprofits serve alcohol?

A reader wonders whether an organization should foot the bill for alcohol served at staff retreats and events.

Governance Q&A: Should boards recommend candidates for election?

A reader wonders whether it is ethical for a nonprofit organization’s board of directors to recommend candidates to fill vacancies.

Governance Q&A: Can staff be forced into shared service agreements?

Can my nonprofit make me serve another organization without my consent?

Governance Q&A: When membership is not defined

Our bylaws do not define a “member” and we have no membership fee. Is it ethical to just let all adult attendees at the upcoming annual general meeting vote? Or all volunteers and staff?

Governance Q&A: Paying for board service?

Some of the directors of my nonprofit want to be paid a per diem for board and board committee work. Is this ethical?

Governance Q&A: Should family members serve on the same board?

My organization just elected a married couple to its board. Is this ethical?

Governance Q&A: Board service while job searching

I was invited to sit on the board of directors for a charitable organization. I am looking for work in the charity sector, including this organization. Is it a conflict of interest for me to accept?

Governance Q&A: Representatives who vote against their chapter

Is it ethical for a chapter representative on a provincial board to vote against her own chapter?

Charity watchdogs: An intelligent development?

Are charity watchdogs a good idea or are they misrepresenting the sector?

Governance Q&A: Board and funder are too close for comfort

I sit on the board of an organization that is greatly intertwined with a major funder. The board members of the major funder are also the only members of my organization.