Planning a nonprofit board retreat? Make every minute count by focusing your agenda around one strategic topic that deserves deeper attention than your regular meetings allow.
Choose Your Focus
Select a theme broad enough for meaningful discussion and concrete solutions. Here are five high-impact options:
1. Risk Management
The Challenge: Identify and address your biggest organizational risks.
Action Items:
- Map out primary risk sources (limited donors, declining endowment, volunteer shortages, legal threats)
- Assign risk monitoring responsibilities to specific team members
- Explore mitigation strategies like insurance or enterprise risk management programs
2. Financial Reporting Enhancement
The Challenge: Bridge the gap between available data and board decision-making needs.
Action Items:
- Survey board members on desired financial information
- Research cost-effective technology solutions for better reporting
- Include a session on reading nonprofit financial statements
3. Program Optimization
The Challenge: Align programs with evolving constituent needs and maximize impact.
Action Items:
- Evaluate current program usage and outcomes
- Identify programs to expand, create, or discontinue
- Establish benchmarking and evaluation systems
4. Employee Satisfaction
The Challenge: Boost staff morale amid increasing workplace pressures.
Action Items:
- Review compensation and benefits packages
- Consider flexible work arrangements and company culture improvements
- Assess promotion pathways and internal communication strategies
5. Donor Acquisition
The Challenge: Expand your supporter base for long-term sustainability.
Action Items:
- Analyze current fundraising techniques and recruitment methods
- Explore social media strategies, corporate partnerships, and event participation
- Develop a comprehensive donor acquisition plan
Set Your Board Up for Success
Share your chosen topic with board members well before the retreat. Give them time to research how peer organizations handle similar challenges and gather relevant insights from industry experts.
Ready to maximize your nonprofit board retreat's impact? Focus on one strategic topic, come prepared with research, and leave with actionable solutions your organization can implement immediately.
SECURITIES AND ADVISORY DISCLOSURE:
Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Fee based planning offered through SDM Advisors, LLC. Third party money management offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc a SEC registered investment advisor. 130 Springside Drive, Suite 300, Akron, Ohio 44333-2431. 1-800-765-5201. SDM Advisors, LLC is a separate entity from Valmark Securities Inc. and Valmark Advisers, Inc. Form CRS Link
DISCLAIMER:
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice. The services of an appropriate professional should be sought regarding your individual situation.
HYPOTHETICAL DISCLOSURE:
The examples given are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only.
