Fidelity Investments Board Development Program

Fidelity InvestmentsThe Fidelity Investments Board Development Program at the Initiative for Nonprofit Excellence aims to enhance the governance and leadership of nonprofit organizations.  The Rhode Island Foundation is grateful to Fidelity Investments for its generous sponsorship of this program.

The program:

  • Educates members of nonprofit boards about their roles and responsibilities
  • Encourages more people to serve on boards
  • Gives board members and staff tools to help their organizations become more effective and sustainable

If you currently serve or are considering serving on a nonprofit board of directors, this program is for you.  Executive directors of nonprofits are welcome to register when attending with at least one board member.

The program offers four workshops taught by a faculty of expert consultants. All sessions will be held at  Fidelity Investments' campus at 500 Salem Street in Smithfield, RI 02917. Get directions to Fidelity Investments' campus. 

Boards 101 provides an overview of the basic roles of boards, with particular emphasis on legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Participants will review the basic documents boards should have in place and learn about policies and practices they can utilize to ensure the legal and fiscal health of the organization. The session will also teach basic skills, such as how to read a balance sheet.

Faculty: Frank Monti, CPA, KLR & Co., LTD
Dates: March 20, 5:00-7:30 p.m., and September 18, 8:00-10:30 a.m.
Fee: $50
Register online for the September 18 session.

Financial Sustainability helps board members understand their role in safeguarding the financial viability of the organization. How can you assure that your organization’s programs are sustainable and that it is living within its means? How can you ensure that your organization is linking money to mission?

Faculty: Catherine Gill, Nonprofit Finance Fund
Dates: April 17, 8:00-10:30 a.m., or October 15, 3:30-6:00 p.m.
Fee: $50
Register online for the October 15 session.

Board/Staff Relationships goes into detail on the appropriate nature of board/staff relationships, communication between staff and directors, and decision-making and policy-setting that incorporates staff input. How can nonprofits ensure that the board and staff are on the same page? What is the proper relationship between the board and the executive director?

Faculty: Sharon Chancellor, Chancellor HRD
Dates: May 22, 3:30-6:00 p.m., or November 19, 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Fee: $50
Register online for the November 19 session. 

Strategic Planning and Succession Planning helps board members identify key strategic questions and focus on the long-term needs of their organization. This session will also help nonprofits that are undergoing or anticipating a leadership transition, as well as those that wish to prepare well in advance.

Faculty: Gayle L. Gifford, ACFRE, Cause & Effect
Dates: June 12, 5:00-7:30 p.m., or December 11, 8:00-10:30 a.m.
Fee: $50
Register online for the December 11 session.