Board Development Program

This program helps non-profit organizations improve the governance of their board through training, consultation and resources.

Overview

The Board Development Program (BDP) focuses on improving the governance of non-profit organizations through:

• Curriculum-based training for individuals and groups on topics like board roles and responsibilities, policy development and effective use of committees
• volunteer instructor opportunities
• consultation and presentation services

Workshops

BDP workshops can be delivered in two formats:

• fundamentals
• open

Fundamental Workshops

Fundamentals Workshops are done at your organization. You will use your own materials to develop an action plan for the future. Instructors get in touch with the organization’s board to customize the curriculum and follow-up with boards from 4 to 6 months after the workshop.

Contact the Board Development Program to check requirements and to book a Fundamentals Workshop.

Open Workshops

Open Workshops are for individual board volunteers and non-profit staff from any non-profit organization as well as anyone generally interested in governance. They allow you to share proven successful ideas from other boards that have gone through similar situations. An Open Workshop is sponsored by any organization on behalf of the larger community anywhere in Alberta. If you are interested in sponsoring an Open Workshop please check the requirements.

If you are interested in attending an Open Workshop, please check our current schedule and contact the Board Development Program for more information.

Open Workshop schedule

Resources

The Board Development Program has many resources to help non-profits develop their governance boards.

Information Bulletins

Information Bulletins are professionally produced by the board development program staff and various expert consultants. Bulletins cover topics relevant to non-profit board members or senior staff seeking to improve skills and gain knowledge in governance. Information provided in each bulletin, including contact names and numbers, are reviewed regularly for accuracy and relevance.

• Board Development Information Bulletins (available in French)

Workbooks

The Board Development Program and the Muttart Foundation  produced a series of workbooks to help non-profits with challenges they may face. Workbooks are reviewed frequently and the latest edited versions including the Index feature are posted.

Developing Job Descriptions for Board Members of Non-profit Organizations

• How to write effective job descriptions and clarify roles and responsibilities.

Drafting and Revising Bylaws

• How to understand organizational bylaws, translate legalese into plain language and incorporate a non-profit in Alberta.

Board Building: Recruiting and Developing Effective Board Members for Nonprofit Organizations

• How to recruit skilled volunteers and leaders, and keep them committed.

Hiring and Performance Appraisal of the Executive Director

• A guide for board directors who are in the process of hiring a new Executive Director and/or providing a performance appraisal.

Financial Responsibilities of Non-profit Boards

• A guide to financial responsibilities, budgets, bookkeeping and financial statements.

Roles and Responsibilities online course

The Board Roles and Responsibilities is an online course, offered in partnership with the Alberta Library Trustees Association, that is designed to help non-profit board members enhance their board’s effectiveness.

Contact

To contact the Board Development Program:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-2001
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number
Email: bdp@gov.ab.ca
Fax: 780-644-8800

Address:
#905 Standard Life Centre
10405 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton AB T5J 4R7