Compared to the more common fiduciary duties of care and loyalty, the duty of obedience to mission is often forgotten. Unlike directors in the for-profit sector who seek to maximize profit for shareholders, non-profit directors must consider their organizational purposes and mission statements when making decisions.

Read this introduction to learn how bylaws are an indispensable tool for success, both in the demanding vocation of a nonprofit leader and in the fulfillment of the mission of your organization as a whole.

Effective communication saves time, builds morale, and prevents disorder and disputes. Read this section to learn how the definitions section of the bylaws empowers you and your organization to communicate clearly and protect your organization legally.

Nonprofits need the support of an engaged board and the confidence that the board’s action will be valid and final. Read this section to learn how the notice section of the bylaws sets the stage for productive board and committee deliberations and protects your organization from confusion or challenges to board or committee actions and decisions.

Committees are a double-edged sword: they can responsibly and effectively respond to an organization’s need or they can create confusing and unnecessary bureaucracy. Read this section to make sure your organization can use committees to strength your organization and avoid common mistakes.