Lead with Courage
- Andrew Estep, CAE
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 15
How Nonprofit Boards Can Make Bold, Purpose-Driven Decisions
Leadership always involves a measure of risk—especially for nonprofit boards tasked with guiding their organizations through complexity and change. This month, we’re exploring how boards can lead with courage: embracing purpose, agility, and sound judgment to make bold yet thoughtful decisions.
One of the best models for courageous leadership comes from BoardSource, which offers a framework for purpose-driven boards.
This comprehensive guide explains how to stabilize an organization effectively through purpose-driven leadership. It explains the four principles that underlie purpose-driven board leadership and the impact it can have in turbulent times. Reframing the question at hand can lead to a deeper understanding of the organization and how to best meet its needs.
Of course, courage must also come with adaptability. That’s where agility comes in.
It is in the nature of an association's board of directors to lean on tradition. With annual or biennial elections, board members turn over regularly and rely on the past to help them govern. As explained in this Association's Now article, ever-increasing change demands that nonprofit boards change how they govern.
Finally, financial decisions are a key area where courage and careful planning must meet.
Most nonprofit organizations tend to be very conservative with their finances, rightfully so. However, as explained in this article by the 501 Commons, associations and other nonprofits should consider wisely investing their reserves. There are several advantages to doing so, including increased FDIC coverage.
Courageous leadership doesn’t mean taking wild risks—it means making bold decisions rooted in purpose and care. As your board considers its next steps, what does courageous governance look like for your organization? Let’s keep the conversation going.
