NCRF Board of Trustees Nomination

Overview

The Board of Trustees is the governing authority of NCRF. Trustees are elected by the NCRA Board of Directors each spring for a three-year term and may be elected to a second consecutive three-year term. Trustees bear fiduciary and legal responsibility to promote the best interests of NCRF. Each Trustee commits to supporting NCRF’s fundraising goals, both through personal donations and by serving on at least one fundraising task force to meet specific goals. Trustees practice knowledge-based governance principles and develop strategic policies for the Foundation. Each Trustee places NCRF’s interests above their individual interests or desires and communicate any member concerns. Trustees attend and participate in all board meetings and must prepare by reviewing meeting materials in advance. Trustees know and understand NCRF’s strategic plan, bylaws, policies, and programs. NCRF retains Trustees and Officers liability insurance to protect Trustees against legal recourse resulting from the discharge of their board responsibilities.

Responsibilities

The word Trustee(s) as used below (unless specified otherwise) refers to both Trustees and Officers on the board.

• Each Trustee is legally bound to fulfill his/her responsibilities while performing duties on behalf of NCRF. Trustees shall act in good faith and in the best interests of NCRF and shall make reasonable inquiry when indicated.
• The board meets annually at the NCRA Conference & Expo, via videoconference call if needed, and at other times directed by the Chair.
• Trustees are responsible financially for NCRF and must monitor and ensure proper use of assets and approve annual budgets.
• Trustees develop and establish NCRF policies, which staff implements.
• The board speaks with a unified voice. Trustees must support all final board decisions, even if an individual Trustee opposed the decision during debate.
• Trustees develop NCRF strategic plans and monitor the implementation of those plans on a periodic basis.
• At the discretion of the Chair, a Trustee may be selected to act as liaison between the board and committees, councils, task forces, or affiliates.
• Trustees represent NCRF at all times during their term(s), including board meetings and functions, as well as at state and local affiliate levels. Trustees must maintain the appropriate professional decorum and attire when representing NCRF.
• Trustees understand that the Chair, Executive Director, and Foundation Manager are the three official spokespersons for NCRF. Any requests for NCRF appearances, assistance, or support must be directed to them. At the discretion of the Chair, other members may be asked to represent NCRF.
• Trustees will refer questions about NCRF operations or staffing directly to the Executive Director or Foundation Manager.
• Each Trustee will donate within his/her abilities with a minimum target of $1,000 annually.
• The Chair will assign each Trustee to at least one of NCRF’s fundraising programs.
• Trustees will use their networks in order to help reach board-approved fundraising goals.
• On an annual basis, each Trustee must complete a Board Policy Agreement regarding conduct, confidentiality, ownership of materials and information, conflict of interest, and antitrust issues.