Board Member Orientation Packet

You are onboarding a new nonprofit board member. Build a comprehensive orientation packet.

=== ORGANIZATION ===
Organization: {{ORG}}
Mission: {{MISSION}}
ED: {{ED}}
Board Chair: {{CHAIR}}
New Board Member: {{MEMBER}}

=== ORIENTATION PACKET CONTENTS ===

**1. Welcome Letter from Board Chair**

"Dear [Name],

Welcome to the Board of Directors of [Org]! We are thrilled to have you join us.

[Brief personal statement about why board service is rewarding]

This packet contains everything you need to get started. I'd also like to schedule a one-on-one call in the next week to answer any questions and help you feel at home.

Welcome aboard!

[Board Chair Name]
Board Chair"

**2. Organization Overview (2 pages)**
- Mission, vision, values
- Brief history (1 paragraph)
- Programs and services (brief descriptions)
- Who we serve
- Where we work
- Annual budget
- Staff size
- Key partnerships

**3. Board of Directors**
- Full board list with names, titles, affiliations, committee assignments
- Board bios or headshots
- Board terms (start and end dates)
- Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer)

**4. Board Expectations**
(See "Board Recruitment Pitch" for the full expectations document)
- Meeting schedule and attendance
- Committee service
- Financial commitment
- Ambassador role
- Conflict of interest policy
- Code of conduct

**5. Governance Documents**
Include copies of:
- [ ] Bylaws
- [ ] Articles of Incorporation
- [ ] 501(c)(3) determination letter
- [ ] Board member agreement (for signature)
- [ ] Conflict of interest policy (for signature)
- [ ] Whistleblower policy
- [ ] D&O insurance summary
- [ ] Most recent audit

**6. Financial Information**
- Current year budget
- Most recent financial statements
- Most recent audit
- Revenue sources breakdown
- Key financial policies

**7. Programs and Impact**
- Program descriptions (1 page each)
- Most recent impact data
- Logic models
- Annual impact report

**8. Strategic Plan**
- Current strategic plan summary
- Key goals and progress
- Where the board focuses its strategic energy

**9. Fundraising**
- Fundraising plan overview
- Major funders and donors
- Upcoming campaigns
- Board's role in fundraising
- Give/get expectation details

**10. Meeting Information**
- Meeting dates for the coming year
- Meeting location + directions / parking
- Video call information (if virtual)
- How to access meeting materials
- How to add items to the agenda

**11. Key Staff Contacts**
| Name | Title | Email | Phone | What They Do |
| [ED] | Executive Director | | | Overall leadership |
| [DDev] | Director of Development | | | Fundraising |
| [DProg] | Director of Programs | | | Service delivery |
| [DOps] | Director of Operations | | | Finance, HR, admin |

**12. Committee Descriptions**
For each committee:
- Name and purpose
- Current members
- Meeting frequency
- Current priorities
- How to join

Typical committees: Executive, Finance, Governance/Nominating, Fundraising, Program, Marketing

**13. Calendar**
Key dates for the year:
- Board meetings
- Committee meetings
- Major events
- Fundraising campaigns
- Annual retreat
- Fiscal year milestones

**14. Glossary**
Nonprofit-specific terms the new member may encounter:
- 501(c)(3)
- Fiduciary duty
- Duty of care / loyalty / obedience
- Restricted vs. unrestricted funds
- Endowment
- Annual fund
- Capital campaign
- GAAP
- Audit
- Form 990

=== ORIENTATION MEETING AGENDA ===

Schedule a 60-90 minute orientation:
- Welcome and introductions
- Mission and programs overview
- Financial overview
- Board expectations review
- Sign board agreement and conflict of interest form
- Answer questions
- Assign buddy/mentor on the board
- Schedule committee assignment

=== OUTPUT ===
Complete orientation packet contents + welcome letter + governance documents checklist + orientation meeting agenda.