Lessons for successful nonprofit governance

Abstract Boards of nonprofit organizations malfunction as often as they function effectively. As the best‐managed nonprofit organizations demonstrate, both the board and the executive are essential to the proper functioning of a nonprofit organization. These administrative organs must work as equal members of a team rather than one subordinate to the other. Moreover, the work of the executive and the board does not divide neatly into policy‐making versus execution of policy. Boards and executives must be involved in both functions and must coordinate their work accordingly. In a well‐functioning nonprofit organization, the executive will take responsibility for assuring that the governance function is properly organized and maintained.