The Art of Trusteeship is a practical and down-to-earth guide that helps nonprofit board members fulfill their critical responsibilities with both wisdom and grace. Authors Candace Widmer and Susan Houchin--experts in the field of board governance-have developed an approach to board leadership that is both user--friendly and flexible. It can be used by trustees from any type of nonprofit organization, whatever its mission, membership, or size. This book provides the information board members need to do everything from craft a mission statement to assess the organization's and the board's success.

Step-by-step, the authors show how to provide oversight of nonprofit organizations and, at the same time, focus on strategic issues. The Art of Trusteeship explores all aspects of the board's role in mission, money, and management and spells out the ten fundamental board responsibilities. Board members will learn how to:
? Establish and monitor the organization's mission
? Plan strategically to achieve the mission
? Oversee the programs intended to accomplish the mission
? Communicate the mission and programs to the outside world
? Oversee the organization's finances
? Develop funds
? Ensure sound risk management
? Hire, supervise, support and, when necessary, remove the CEO
? Select and educate trustees
? Manage and evaluate the board's work

The Art of Trusteeship provides board members with pragmatic advice for governing their organization.

Learn the skills you need to lead your nonprofit organization

"This book delivers what trustees direly need but rarely get: plainspoken, practical advice, rooted in common sense and real life. It tells trustees what to do, and how to do it well."

--Richard P. Chait, professor, Harvard University's Graduate School of Education

"The Art of Trusteeship addresses the many challenges facing trustees today during this time of rapid change, increasing demand for accountability, and competition for funds. Whether you are a trustee or nonprofit CEO, you will find the authors' approach will apply to your organization and its mission."

--Mary H. DeKuyper, member of the board of governors, the National American Red Cross

"At last, a book that doesn't take a one-size-fits-all approach! The authors recognize that the huge diversity among nonprofits calls for multiple ways of fulfilling basic board responsibilities. The book allows a board member to dive in at any point and find a concise, clear set of options for handling the challenges of trusteeship. It will help even first-time board members find firm footing on the path to effective governance."

--Sara L. Engelhardt, president, The Foundation Center

"Nothing is more important to the success of nonprofit organizations than effective board governance. The Art of Trusteeship makes the compelling case that such success is the result of clear vision, solid understanding and good practice. The book makes great sense and will help its readers better understand what good board performance means and how to get it."

--Ken Gladish, national executive director, chief executive officer, YMCA of USA

The well-being of any nonprofit organization rests first with its volunteer board of directors. This book offers board members the guidance they need to successfully govern their organizations--no matter what type or size of nonprofit they may lead.

Written by Candace Widmer and Susan Houchin, The Art of Trusteeship shows you how to fulfill ten key trustee responsibilities and includes much-needed detail on defining mission, strategic planning, executive selection and evaluation, fundraising, financial oversight, and board self-assessment. This hands-on guide is filled with illustrative case studies and real-life examples that clearly show how a variety of creative boards have tackled challenges and strengthened their organizations.

"At last, a book that doesn't take a one-size-fits-all approach! The authors recognize that the huge diversity among nonprofits calls for multiple ways of fulfilling basic board responsibilities. The book allows a board member to dive in at any point and find a concise, clear set of options for handling the challenges of trusteeship. It will help even first-time board members find firm footing on the path to effective governance."
--Sara L. Engelhardt, president, The Foundation Center