Board Member Orientation
Strong Boards, Strong Clinics
Strong boards don't happen by accident. They're built deliberately, through honest assessment, thoughtful recruitment, clear agreements, and real orientation. The resources below are organized around that process, drawn from my own materials as well contributions from trusted partners across the Free and Charitable Clinic and Pharmacy sector and the broader nonprofit community. Use what fits your clinic's stage and needs.
Assessment of Board Needs
Self-Assessment Tool for Free & Charitable Clinic Boards*
A self-assessment tool developed specifically for Free and Charitable Clinic boards to evaluate their own effectiveness and identify gaps.
Board Self-Evaluation Questionnaire
A tool for annual nonprofit board self-evaluation.
A curated library of downloadable tools including board self-assessment forms, board member agreements, conflict of interest policies, ethics policies, and governance worksheets.
Recruitment
Board Composition Matrix*
A tool for mapping current board composition against the skills, connections, and demographics needed to build a stronger board.
Board Member Position Description & Expectations*
Defines the role and expectations of a board seat before a candidate is recruited, so prospective members know what they're signing up for.
Board Member Application*
The formal application used to collect information from prospective board candidates.
Board Interview Questions
A set of sample interview questions for screening prospective board candidates.
Building Boards that Breathe Life into Your Clinic*
2025 FAFCC Symposium presentation by Jennifer Ryan, MPH, CEO of VIM-Jacksonville. Provides an example of a board recruitment matrix and how data are used to support recruitment.
Agreement
Board Member Agreement
The formal agreement outlining a board member's commitment and responsibilities upon joining.
Board Member Code of Conduct Policy 1
A sample code of conduct policy for board members.
Board Member Code of Conduct Policy 2
An alternate sample code of conduct policy, offered for comparison.
Orientation
Presentation Slides
Slides from the March 2026 Learning Lab webinar on Board Orientation — why board orientation matters now and how FCCs can build higher-quality, more functional boards.
Board Member Packet Table of Contents*
A suggested table of contents for assembling a new board member's onboarding packet.
Board Orientation Manual Topics*
A list of recommended topics to cover in a board orientation manual.
Board Member Orientation Checklist
A step-by-step checklist for onboarding a new board member.
Board Member Orientation Process
An outline of a full orientation process for new board members, start to finish.
Board Orientation and Governance Templates (BoardSite)
A collection of sample board orientation materials, welcome packet structures, financial literacy guides, and governance templates that can be adapted for Free and Charitable Clinics and Pharmacies.
Board Roles and Responsibilities (National Council of Nonprofits)
A plain-language overview of the three core fiduciary duties and the foundational responsibilities of nonprofit board members. An excellent starting point for new board members unfamiliar with nonprofit governance or legal expectations.
Guidebook for Boards of Directors (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits)
A comprehensive but accessible guide explaining board roles, fiduciary duties, committee structure, financial oversight, and board/CEO partnership dynamics.
Tips to Build Trust and Engagement with Your Board (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Practical tips for strengthening board engagement and improving communication between staff and board members — setting clear expectations, building trust, and supporting effective governance. A useful supplement to board orientation and ongoing development.
What Boards Should Know (Tennessee Nonprofit Network)
Outlines the core responsibilities of nonprofit board members, including legal duties, governance roles, financial oversight, and fundraising expectations. Useful for board orientation and ongoing board education.
Thanks to Open Arms Free Clinic of Elkhorn, WI, Family Health Partnership Clinic of Crystal Lake, IL, and Volunteers in Medicine – Jacksonville, FL for sharing their board governance materials.