Boards and Governance

Board Handbook, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, September 2010
An excellent sample of a Board Handbook from Creative Trust member Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.
Committee Roles and Responsibilities
A sample governance policy from Creative Trust.
Conflict of Interest Policy
A sample governance policy from Creative Trust.
Governance Policies
An overview of the policies that govern Creative Trust.
Investment Policy
A sample governance policy from Creative Trust.
Committee Roles and Responsibilities
A sample governance policy from Creative Trust.
Roles and Responsibilities of Board and Staff
A sample governance policy from Creative Trust.
Board Committee Structure – Toronto Dance Theatre
An example of a structure for a board of directors shared by the Toronto Dance Theatre.
Board Member Work Plan – Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber choir
An excellent sample from Creative Trust member Tafelmusik, outlining an individualized work plan for a hypothetical Tafelmusik board member, with specific actions to be taken and a check-in date by which tasks are expected to be completed.
By-Laws – Dance Umbrella of Ontario
A sample document of the by-laws governing the Dance Umbrella of Ontario; this is a good example of the layout and language typically used in such a document.
Arts Action Research
ARTS Action Research, closely involved in the development and work of Creative Trust, is widely recognized for its groundbreaking work in redefining the role, relationships, and operation of arts organizations in today’s challenging arts environment. Copies of their publications Growing Audiences, An Elegant Process and Leading Arts Boards are available for purchase at the Creative Trust office.
Board Development – United Way of Canada
This website, created by the United Way of Canada, provides in-depth information, resources and links on boards of directors and the governance of not-for-profit organizations.
Business for the Arts
Business for the Arts is a Canadian organization that exists to strengthen arts and culture in Canada by building partnerships between businesses and arts communities. The also run the website Board Link which connects arts organizations to business professionals looking to volunteer on a board or committee.
Building on Strength: Improving Governance and Accountability in Canada’s Voluntary Sector 

Commonly known as The Broadbent Report after Chairman Ed Broadbent, this is the best and most complete overview of governance in Canada’s voluntary sector. “the goal of our report is to enhance the effectiveness and credibility of the voluntary sector in its ongoing role of strengthening civil society.”
Voluntary Boards and Executive Directors: A Relationship for Organizational Stability, Imagine Canada 2007
Common challenges, practices and characteristics of a strong executive director/board chair relationship.
Ten Dimensions that Shape Your Board, Kim Sundet Vanderwall and Ellen Benavides, October 2008
This astute workbook, derived from interviews with nonprofits in Minnesota, is designed to help boards ask the right questions about their roles and activities.
Problem Boards or Board Broblem? William P. Ryan, Richard P. Chait, and Barbara E. Taylor Nonprofit Quarterly Summer 2003
A refreshing take on the real purpose of boards.