By law and by precedent, the board of directors is both the governing entity and the moral force of a not-for-profit organization. They ensure that the organization meets its obligations to its constituency, funders and stake-holders while at the same time ensuring the organization's adherence to governmental regulations and funding realities. In addition to setting the vision and goals of the organization, the board oversees the attainment of these goals through selection and supervision of the chief executive officer.

These daunting tasks are made all the more difficult by the fact that boards are typically composed of well intentioned volunteers and community members/leaders who are supportive of the organization's mission but often lacking in hands on experience and in knowledge of non-profit management and operations.

JPA can help organizations establish and enhance the effectiveness of their board in the following ways:

Establishing a Board

Creating By-laws

Establishing a Committee Structure

Selection of a Chief Executive Officer

Identification and Recruitment of Board Members

Roles and Responsibilities Training

Board Special Projects

Resource Development

Human Resources

Marketing/Public Relations