A well-structured Non-Profit Board meeting Minutes Template is an essential tool for effective governance and accountability. It serves as a formal record of decisions made, actions taken, and discussions held during board meetings. By adhering to a professional format and clear language, these minutes provide transparency, legal protection, and a valuable reference for future decision-making.
Key Elements of a Non-Profit Board Meeting Minutes Template
1. Header
Organization Name: Clearly state the full legal name of the non-profit organization.
Meeting Date and Time: Specify the exact date and time the meeting commenced and adjourned.
Meeting Location: Indicate the physical location or virtual platform where the meeting took place.
Meeting Type: Specify whether it’s a regular, special, or annual meeting.
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2. Attendees
Board Members Present: List the names of all board members who attended the meeting, either in person or virtually.
Staff Present: List the names of staff members who attended the meeting, if applicable.
Guests Present: List the names of any guests or visitors who attended the meeting.
3. Call to Order
Time: note the exact time the meeting was called to order.
Presiding Officer: Identify the individual who chaired the meeting.
4. Approval of Previous Minutes
Motion: Indicate the motion to approve the previous meeting’s minutes.
Second: Note the name of the board member who seconded the motion.
Vote: Record the voting results, including the number of votes in favor, against, and abstentions.
Outcome: State whether the previous minutes were approved or if any amendments were made.
Financial Overview: Summarize the organization’s financial health, including income, expenses, and net assets.
Key Financial Metrics: Highlight significant financial indicators, such as cash flow, fundraising efforts, and budget variances.
Approval of Financial Statements: Note the motion to approve the financial statements, second, vote, and outcome.
6. Committee Reports
Executive Committee: Summarize the key activities and decisions of the executive committee.
Finance Committee: Highlight the financial planning and oversight activities of the finance committee.
Fundraising Committee: Discuss fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and grant applications.
Program Committee: Review program development, implementation, and evaluation.
Other Committees: Include reports from any additional committees, as needed.
7. Old Business
Action Items: Review and discuss any outstanding action items from previous meetings.
Progress Updates: Provide updates on the progress of ongoing initiatives and projects.
Decision-Making: Make decisions on any outstanding business or issues.
8. New Business
Discussion Topics: Introduce and discuss new agenda items.
Decision-Making: Make decisions on new business items, including policy changes, strategic planning, or major initiatives.
9. Next Meeting
Date and Time: Announce the date and time of the next scheduled meeting.
Location: Specify the location or platform for the next meeting.
10. Adjournment
Time: Note the exact time the meeting was adjourned.
Motion: Indicate the motion to adjourn the meeting.
Second: Note the name of the board member who seconded the motion.
Vote: Record the voting results, including the number of votes in favor, against, and abstentions.
Design Considerations for a Professional Template
Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language to convey information effectively.
Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout the document, including font, font size, and line spacing.
Professional Layout: Use a clean and professional layout, with ample white space to enhance readability.
Headings and Subheadings: Use headings and subheadings to organize the content and improve navigation.
Bullet Points: Utilize bullet points to list key points and action items.
Page Numbers: Include page numbers for easy reference.
Date Stamp: Add a date stamp to the footer to indicate the date the minutes were prepared.
Distribution: Determine the distribution method, whether it’s email, physical copies, or a shared document.
By following these guidelines and customizing the template to your organization’s specific needs, you can create professional and informative board meeting minutes that effectively document the organization’s decision-making processes.