Creating more diverse and inclusive boards is one of the most important challenges facing nonprofits today. A growing body of knowledge suggests that we should begin by identifying what the ideal profile of our board would look like with respect to sectors represented, skill sets, and demographics (age, race, residence, gender, ethnicity, etc.). Only then […]
Greenwood Gardens: Governance & Board Development
Following Hargrove International’s work in developing Greenwood Gardens’ most recent strategic plan, Hargrove was engaged to help that organization strengthen its governance and provide for ongoing leadership development and succession planning. That work – now in its fourth year – has resulted in a clearly articulated Trustee Job Description, a stronger and more unified Board […]
Greenwood Gardens
“John helped our organization establish it’s first Board Governance Committee and served as a consultant to this committee for the past four years. His support has been invaluable. The work of the Board Governance Committee has transformed our organization and moved it to the next level. Our board is more engaged than ever and we […]
Should there be a required minimum gift for each member of the board of directors?
There are some problems with mandatory minimums. They don’t recognize that individuals have widely varying capacities. And minimums often turn into maximums – almost like dues – that discourage those who can do more to do so.
Should all board members be expected to make a contribution and help raise funds?
Yes, all board members should make an annual unrestricted cash contribution. And we believe that every board member should play some active role in generating philanthropic support. That can be by identifying prospects, participating in or hosting cultivation events and activities, accompanying staff on solicitations, chairing fundraising events, and/or actually “making the ask.”
Greenwood Gardens (New Jersey): Strategic Plan
The leadership for this estate (encompassing historic sites and gardens in Short Hills, New Jersey) decided to embark on developing a strategic plan to help define visitation opportunities, preservation needs, and organizational structure appropriate for the site. Hargrove International initially facilitated the strategic planning process. The resulting document and findings led to further assistance with […]
John Bauser
John Bauser brings 30 years of executive management, fundraising, board development, advocacy, and strategic planning experience to his consulting engagements with a wide range of both established and emerging nonprofit organizations. John’s strategic planning work uses innovative approaches from both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. His board development expertise, drawn from years of experience as […]