Model policies every board should have in writing — each one an editable Word document ready to adapt and adopt. Choose corporate or nonprofit to see the version that fits your board.
How to use these policies
Treat each policy as a starting point: adapt it to your bylaws, state law, and how your board actually works.
Adopt each policy by board resolution and record the adoption in the minutes.
Review every policy at least annually and note the review date on the document.
Collect any required annual disclosure forms, such as conflict of interest statements, and keep them on file.
Before you adopt any policy
Legal counsel review is required
Every policy here should be reviewed, adapted, and approved by qualified legal counsel licensed in your state or jurisdiction before your board adopts it.
Educational model language only
These are general model policies provided for educational purposes. They are not legal, tax, accounting, or compliance advice, and they do not create an attorney-client or advisory relationship.
Tailor to your governing documents and law
Each policy must align with your articles of incorporation, bylaws, applicable state corporate or nonprofit statutes, and any regulatory requirements that apply to your organization.
A policy takes effect only when formally adopted
A policy is not in force until the board discusses it, approves it by vote or resolution, and the adoption and effective date are recorded in the minutes.
Policies only work when they are practiced
Set an annual schedule to review each policy, confirm it still reflects how the board operates, and document the review date on the document itself.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Protects the board's independent judgment by requiring disclosure, recusal, and documentation of conflicts.
These model policies are provided for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal, tax, accounting, or compliance advice, nor do they create an attorney-client or advisory relationship. Adapt them to your organization's articles, bylaws, governing documents, and applicable law, and have qualified legal counsel review every policy before your board adopts it.
Want help putting the right policies in place?
Policies only matter if the board lives by them. If your board could use a confidential conversation about governance practices, I'd be glad to talk.
