The well-being of any nonprofit organization rests first with itsvolunteer board of directors. This book offers board members theguidance they need to successfully govern their organizations--nomatter what type or size of nonprofit they may lead.

Written by Candace Widmer and Susan Houchin, The Art ofTrusteeship shows you how to fulfill ten key trusteeresponsibilities and includes much-needed detail on definingmission, strategic planning, executive selection and evaluation,fundraising, financial oversight, and board self-assessment. Thishands-on guide is filled with illustrative case studies andreal-life examples that clearly show how a variety of creativeboards have tackled challenges and strengthened theirorganizations.

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

CANDACE WIDMER is professor of human services and sociology at Elmira College and a well-known consultant to nonprofits. SUSAN HOUCHIN is director of national services for Girls Incorporated and its seven year trustee Education for Excellence Project.