@David Harris, I just read your blog post and loved it! It really resonates. I like to give specific feedback, so I'll try to pick just two point that really stood out. First, "nonprofit is an IRS tax designation, not an identity." Period! I've had to tell ED's on whose boards I serve to stop apologizing for having a surplus. Of course, we have to follow grant guidelines as it relates to use of funds (there's that grant compliance!) but nonprofit doesn't mean we have to aim for break-even! The other point that really stood out was - Because anyone can start a nonprofit, the sector is full of small organizations doing similar work... which (often) leads to inefficiency, competition for funding, a stretched talent pool, and ultimately the inability to achieve the scale required for true social impact. I can't wait for the "dig deeper" posts! I'm interested in how we as board members can do a better job of being part of the solution. Thanks for sharing!

Strategic thinking and planning

My org's board meets 5 times a year for 75 minutes with committees meeting during the "off" months. One of the boards I serve on meets monthly, which I believe is too much. The other ones meet bi-monthly.