What is Governance?

Governance refers to the processes and structures used to direct and manage a non-profit organization’s operations and activities. Effective governance:

• Ensures that the organization meets all legal and ethical expectations;
  
  
• Demands attention to constructive partnerships, transparency and integrity;
  
  
• Establishes mechanisms to achieve accountability and fiscal responsibility;
  
  
• Considers stakeholders, the Board of Directors and management;
  
  
• Steers the organization to meet its mission and vision;
  
  
• Anticipates and considers the future of the organization and the community in which it serves; and
  
  
• Ensures principled practices leading to long term sustainability.