149: Um, Actually... | How Many Times Should a Nonprofit Board of Directors Meet?

149: Um, Actually... | How Many Times Should a Nonprofit Board of Directors Meet?

Author: Jess Birken, MNM, JD October 16, 2025 Duration: 18:23

If your board hasn't met in ten months, that's not just awkward — it's a big problem.

In this episode, Meghan and I dive into a basic (but often overlooked) part of nonprofit governance: how often a board needs to meet, and what happens when it doesn't.

Real Listener Question: "My wife joined the board of a small arts nonprofit, but they haven't met once in ten months. The executive director sends quarterly updates by email — that's it. Is that legal?"

A board that never meets isn't really a board — it's a liability. Meghan and I talk about what state laws and bylaws actually require, what fiduciary duties board members are neglecting when they don't meet, and how to raise the issue without making enemies. We also unpack what counts as a real "meeting," why email updates don't cut it, and what to do if you're stuck on a board that's asleep at the wheel.

What You'll Learn:

  • The bare minimum number of meetings a board should have each year
  • Why your bylaws matter more than you think
  • What fiduciary duties mean — and how ignoring them puts you at risk
  • Why a one-way email is not a valid board meeting
  • How to raise governance concerns without burning bridges
  • When (and how) to walk away from a dysfunctional board

Bottom line: If your board isn't meeting, it's not leading. You can't fulfill your fiduciary duties by inbox — and sometimes, the bravest move is to speak up or step out.

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Ever find yourself wishing for a direct line to seasoned nonprofit leaders, a chance to unpack the real challenges that don’t make it into the glossy annual reports? Charity Therapy is that conversation. With host Jess Birken, who brings her background as a lawyer and a Master of Nonprofit Management to the table, each session feels like pulling up a chair with a trusted advisor. The discussions move beyond theory, tackling the granular details of operations that leaders actually face-whether it’s navigating a tricky IRS compliance question, rebuilding a fundraising strategy from the ground up, or managing the complex interpersonal dynamics that define any mission-driven team. This podcast digs into the operational heart of the sector, offering pragmatic insights you can apply directly to your own work. It’s a resource built on the understanding that running a nonprofit is a continuous practice of problem-solving, and Jess guides these explorations with clarity and a deep respect for the work. Tune in for honest dialogue that treats the daily grind of management as the serious and nuanced craft that it is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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