YNOT Board Committees

Purpose:

Non-profit organisations must periodically review the size and composition of their boards to ensure optimal decision-making efficiency. An overly large board can dilute personal accountability, while an undersized board can overburden its members. There is no universal solution; the ideal structure depends on a thorough analysis of board responsibilities.

To manage various responsibilities, boards often establish committees. These committees are entrusted with specific duties, including reviewing information, making recommendations, and reporting back to the full board for discussion and approval.

Reasons for Establishing Committees:

Committees should be formed under the following circumstances:

• The board faces issues too complex or numerous for the entire board to address.
• Recommendations are required for policies before the entire board can approve them.
• Additional meetings and time commitments are needed beyond the regular board schedule.

While committees are invaluable, they must not replace the existing staff's roles. All committee work should be transparently shared with the full board.

Executive Committee:

The YNOT Executive Committee streamlines board operations by reducing the frequency of full board meetings. This committee holds the authority to make interim decisions, which must be promptly presented to the full board. Minutes of Executive Committee meetings must be meticulously recorde d, and all board members retain liability for decisions made.

Finance Committee:

The Finance Committee oversees the preparation and management of the annual budget, ensuring the organization meets its revenue and expense targets. Regular financial performance reports are reviewed and presented to the full board.

Led by the treasurer, the Finance Committee is responsible for the organization’s financial health, including investment management and other significant financial matters.

Membership Committee:

The Youth Now on Track Services Membership Committee is responsible for establishing membership criteria, credentialing members, overseeing elections, and developing programs. Their primary duty is to recruit and expand membership. While daily membership tasks are managed by staff, decisions on membership criteria, granting, and revoking membership rest with the committee.

The committee collaborates with the board and staff to build a robust and dynamic membership base.

Capital Campaign / Fundraising Committee:

The Capital Campaign/Fundraising Committee leads efforts to raise substantial funds for designated purposes, such as YNOT’s goal of securing a permanent location to expand services.

The committee recruits non-board members as donors, enhancing fundraising capacity. Collaboration with the Finance and Membership Committees ensures the achievement of fundraising objectives.

YNOT Fundraising Strategy Principles:

1. The Board as Visionaries (Leadership): The board’s foremost role in fundraising is visionary leadership. This involves setting the organization’s growth trajectory, establishing broad fundraising goals with staff and the fundraising committee, and ensuring the fundraising strategy is well-resourced and deadline-driven.
2. The Board as Donors:  Achieving 100% board giving is crucial. Every board member must contribute annually, setting a strong example and demonstrating commitment. Full board giving reassures staff, volunteers, and external donors of the board’s dedication.
3. The Board as Fundraising Ambassadors: Board members must act as fundraising ambassadors, cultivating and maintaining relationships that lead to donor engagement. This role is vital in expanding YNOT’s donor network and fostering lifelong donor relationships.
4. The Board as Fundraising Support: Board members support fundraising efforts by participating in meetings, making thank-you calls, and attending events. This support enhances the fundraising team’s effectiveness and impact.

Strategic Planning / Youth Development Committee:

The YNOT Strategic Planning / Youth Development Committee’s mandate is to collaborate closely with staff to fulfill the organization’s mission: empowering youth and their families to achieve their potential through education, community involvement, role modeling, and employability training.

The committee is also responsible for developing and updating strategic plans, monitoring their implementation, and reporting progress to the full board. Close cooperation with the Finance and Membership Committees is essential to achieving these objectives.