I have the honor of delivering the opening plenary address at this month’s Contra Costa Nonprofit Partnership Fair taking place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 9 am to 3:30 pm at Contra Costa College. The plenary will focus on nonprofit compliance and governance, with acknowledgement of the turbulent times, particularly as they may impact organizations and their DEI- and advocacy-related missions, values, and activities.

This countywide event will bring together nonprofit organizations, civic-minded residents, and local
businesses for a day of connection, learning, and service. Through board-matching opportunities, skill-
based volunteering, and professional networking, the Fair will strengthen the fabric of our local nonprofit
ecosystem and invite new leaders to take part in building a thriving Contra Costa. It will also address
the current threats and challenges to the nonprofit sector, which are especially salient for those organizations who support vulnerable populations; focus on promoting equity, justice, and inclusion; and sustain social justice movements.

One of the principal goals of the Nonprofit Partnership Fair is to introduce and match prospective board members with nonprofits seeking board members. People want to be involved in positive change and building community, but it can be challenging to know where to start. Serving on a board can be a rewarding and valuable experience for the individual and the organization. It’s been one of my favorite ways to collaborate and learn. I encourage persons in and around Contra Costa County to check out the Nonprofit Partnership Fair (it’s free to attend and easy to register) and reach out to me if you’re there.

Additional Resources

Compliance

Nonprofit Legal Compliance in an Unfriendly Political Environment (NPQ)

Nonprofit Compliance Checklist (CalNonprofits)

Attorney General’s Guide for Charities (California Department of Justice, Charitable Trusts Section)

Compliance Guide for 501(c)(3) Public Charities (IRS)

Some Thoughts for First-Year Nonprofits (including a compliance list)

Nonprofit Radio: 2026 Outlook

Free Checklists for Nonprofit Organizations (BoardSource)

Board Members

The Nonprofit Board You’d Love to Join

Ten Attractive Characteristics of a Nonprofit Board 

1. Healthy, reputable organization
2. Impactful organization
3. Mission- and values-driven organization
4. Purpose-driven board
5. Collegial board and friendships
6. Diverse and inclusive board
7. Strong leadership team
8. Helpful and timely information shared with board
9. Productive board meetings
10. Educational, growth, and networking opportunities

The Nonprofit Board Member You’d Love to Recruit

Ten Attractive Characteristics of a Nonprofit Board Member

1. Deeply connected to the mission
2. Committed to showing up and adding value in and out of the boardroom
3. Aligned with the organization’s core values
4. Ethical and able to meet their fiduciary duties of care and loyalty
5. Team-oriented and collaborative with an openness to new ideas and directions 
6. Thoughtful, strategic, responsive, and prepared (all tied together as one characteristic!)
7. Generous with respect to making a meaningful contribution to the organization, which typically would include a monetary donation but might principally be through additional services
8. Representative of one or more communities that is underrepresented in the organization’s leadership
9. Experienced and skilled in one or more areas of importance to the organization
10. Enthusiastic about acting as an ambassador for the organization to their networks and to the broader community

Board Member Rights and Non-Rights

Rights of a Board Member

1. To vote on each matter presented to the board for action.
2. To take actions on behalf of the corporation, but only if duly delegated with such authority (typically by the board or executive).
3. To have the means of communicating with all other board members concurrently at any board meeting.
4. To have the means of participating in all matters before the board, including, without limitation, the capacity to propose, or to interpose an objection to, a specific action to be taken by the corporation.
5. To, at any reasonable time, inspect and copy all books, records and documents of every kind (while this is framed in the corporate law as an absolute right, it’s probably subject to conflicting privacy laws that may take precedence).
6. To, at any reasonable time, inspect the physical properties of the corporation.
7. To receive an annual report, which shall include any required statements of certain transactions and indemnifications required to be disclosed to the board members.
8. To identify oneself as a board member and, to the extent authorized, act as an ambassador and fundraiser for the organization (most commonly through private communications with others).
9. To sue derivatively on behalf of the corporation a third party, including one or more other directors.
10. To sue the corporation for certain violations of law.

Non-Rights of a Board Member (unless duly delegated with such rights)

1. To order the executive or any of the corporation’s employees to take a particular action.
2. To enter into a contract on behalf of the corporation.
3. To expend corporate funds.
4. To use the corporation’s assets, particularly for their personal benefit.
5. To have their vote at a board meeting count for purposes of approving a self-dealing transaction (under state law) in which the board member has a material financial interest. 
6. To make any public announcements on behalf of the corporation, particularly if they are outside of the corporation’s approved messaging or in violation of any contractual or fiduciary obligations of confidentiality.
7. To divulge any confidential or protected information acquired through their position with the corporation.
8. To usurp, for the board member’s own benefit, any corporate opportunities intended for the corporation.
9. To act unlawfully in carrying out any delegated responsibilities.
10. To participate in a board meeting in a manner that is intended to be disruptive, disrespectful, or otherwise for their personal interests ahead of the corporation’s interests.

Screwtape’s 10 Pieces of Advice to New Board Members (but only if you understand satire)