MU Extension offers online course for board members of nonprofits

WARSAW, Mo.– University of Missouri Extension is offering online training for board members of nonprofit organizations.

“Serving on a board is a little different from volunteering for an event or activity,” says Connie Mefford, associate extension professional and community development specialist in Benton County. “I think many people don’t understand their legal responsibility.”

While board members can bring valuable skills and knowledge, they might not be ready to deal with issues such as conflicts of interest, maintaining minutes and other required documents, compensation of paid employees, and proper handling of grants, donations and other income, Mefford said.

Bringing new board members up to speed can be difficult and expensive for small nonprofits, especially in rural communities.  “It’s hard enough to find time to go to meetings and go to events,” she said, noting that volunteer board members for small nonprofits usually juggle service with full-time jobs, family life and other commitments.

She teamed up with fellow extension community development specialists Georgia Stuart-Simmons and Larry Dickerson to develop the online course, “Build Your Board.”

Mefford says they designed the course to accommodate the busy schedules of board members and the tight budgets of small nonprofit service agencies such as food pantries.

Oversight by an engaged board of directors can be critical to the continued fiscal health of a small nonprofit, she says.

“Board members are often not really involved in the finances,” Mefford said. “But if the organization begins to fail, the responsibility falls on them. If they had been more involved, they might have been able to provide some guidance.”

The course consists of 16 downloadable lessons covering such topics as finances, teamwork, conflict, meetings, planning, paperwork and avoiding crises. Participants can ask questions and discuss lessons with instructors by email.

Lessons take about 10-15 minutes to complete. Participants have three months to complete the training. Those who pass a test at the end of the course receive a certificate of completion.

To register, go to http://tinyurl.com/MU-BuildBoard.