REALIZE Board Training

Curriculum

About Our Trainings

The REALIZE Board Training Program is a collaborative initiative between the Paso del Norte Health Foundation and the United Way of El Paso County. The program aims to enhance the governance skills of nonprofit board members through training sessions across El Paso and Southern New Mexico.

The goal is to develop a stronger pool of qualified board members who are equipped to take on their vital governance roles and support the success of nonprofit organizations throughout the Paso del Norte Region. The program consists of eight courses, each lasting approximately one hour.

Overview

Course 1: Roles and Responsibilities of Individual Board Members

In this session, you will gain a deeper understanding of the key duties, responsibilities, and expectations for individual board members.

Course 2: Essential Functions of a Nonprofit Board

In this session, you will deepen your understanding of the three core responsibilities of a nonprofit board: setting strategic direction, securing the necessary resources, and supporting effective oversight.

Course 3: Building a Board Cycle and Structure

In this session, you’ll explore the stages of the board lifecycle, review effective board structures, and learn best practices for nonprofit board committees.

Course 4: Effective Board Meetings and the Board Leadership Partnership

In this session, we’ll cover the key elements of an effective board meeting, including how to create efficient agendas. We’ll also explore the critical partnership between the Board Chair and Executive Director for facilitating smooth operations.

Course 5: Fundraising Fundamentals

In this session, we’ll explore various revenue sources for nonprofits, the basics of nonprofit fundraising, and how board members and staff can collaborate to build strong donor relationships.

Course 6: The Board's Role in Fiscal Oversight and Accountability

In this session, you will deepen your understanding of how to review key financial documents, including audits, income and expense statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports, supporting proper oversight and accountability.

Course 7: The Board's Fiscal Responsibility

In this session, we’ll clarify best practices for drafting an annual operating budget, using financial dashboards, and understanding the IRS Form 990 to promote sound fiscal management.

Course 8: Nonprofit Fiscal Policies and Procedures

In this session, you will gain valuable tools and resources for developing fiscal policies, including those for conflict of interest, gift acceptance, expense reimbursement, whistleblower protection, and other essential nonprofit procedures.