Board Manual Template

A Board Manual serves two main functions: as an orientation handbook for new board members, and a central resource about the organization and the board for board members’ service. Take a look at Foundation for Shared Impact’s Board Manual template to learn about the essential elements of a Board Manual.

This manual is a collaborative work between Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) and Macquarie Group Limited. Special thanks to Carl Fernando, Timmy Ho, and Deeviya Prasad.

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Can’t access the above? Read an excerpt here.

How to Use this Manual

This manual is intended to be used as a guide to the creation of any organization’s board manual template. Some of the language may not be applicable to your organization, and you may want to consider adding sections and documents that are relevant to your organization. We encourage you to utilize the prompts (in blue and red font) to craft your own board manual. Prompts that are highlighted in blue are tips for your consideration, and red are explanations of what needs to be included in the section.

This manual is a collaborative work between Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) and Macquarie Group Limited. Special thanks to Carl Fernando, Timmy Ho, and Deeviya Prasad.

Table of Contents (for your own manual)

1. Background and Legal Information 1
   • 1.1 Brief History or Fact Sheet 1
   • 1.2 Press Releases or Articles 1
   • 1.3 Relevant Legal Documents 1
   • 1.4 Meeting Minutes 1
2. Financial Information
3. Strategic Framework
4. The Board
   • Board Members’ Names, Bios and Contact Information 4
5. Board Responsibilities
6. Board Member Responsibilities
   • 6.1 Board Member Terms
   • 6.2 Time Commitment
     [Include meeting attendance requirements and meeting schedule]
   • 6.3 Financial Commitment
   • 6.4 Fundraising
   • 6.5 Committee Chair/Member Commitment
7. Board Committees
   • 7.1 Governance and Board Development Committee
   • 7.2 Fundraising Committee
   • 7.3 Finance Committee
   • 7.4 Program Committee
   • 7.5 Risk Management Committee
8. Policies
9. Organizational Information