Board resolution templates are valuable when nonprofit boards need to create a formal, legal record of certain important decisions.
As a rule, boards generally don’t have to submit their formal decisions to any government agency, regulatory body, or other authority, unless a legal authority requests them or subpoenas them. Nonetheless, if board decisions come into question in a legal arena, official, approved documents will protect board members from liability.
To help you get more familiar with this important process, we are outlining the following topics:
A board resolution template is a document that gives boards the basic outline and format for creating a resolution to express the board’s opinion, will or intent. The basic wording has already been filled in, and all the board secretary or other board member has to do is fill in the blanks before the board formally approves the document.
Board resolution templates can be used over and over again, making it well worth taking the time to create one initially. Additionally, storing board resolution templates on a board management system allows quick access for nonprofit board members when and where they need them.
A board resolution sample will help you keep your final document simple and concise. As demonstrated in the board resolution template that follows, a board resolution merely describes the following:
You may choose formal or informal language because the content of the sample board resolution is the most critical element.
The following sample board resolution for a board of directors will give you an idea of how to word the document properly:
Whereas, [insert nonprofit name] shall continue to operate and provide services to its community;
Whereas, the authority to contract with funding sources shall be needed in order for [insert nonprofit name] to continue its operation;
Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Directors of [insert nonprofit name] hereby authorizes Samuel Schneider, Board President, to act on behalf of [insert nonprofit name]. in entering into an agreement with the City of Chicago; and to sign for and perform any and all responsibilities in relation to such agreement.
Approved: March 4, 2023 Location: 4200 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Samuel Schneider Jill McMann
President, Board of Directors Member, Board of Directors
Henry Adams Sarah Holden
Member, Board of Directors Member, Board of Directors
Here’s another template for a board resolution, worded differently:
We do hereby consent to adopt the following as if it was adopted at a regularly called meeting of the board of directors of [insert nonprofit name]. In accordance with state law and the bylaws of this corporation, by unanimous consent, the board of directors decided that:
The Board President shall act on behalf of the board in entering into an agreement with the city of Chicago and may sign and perform all responsibilities in relation to such agreement.
Certified board resolution templates and basic board resolution templates are very similar. In addition to describing a decision or action that the board wants to take and giving authority to a group or person, a certified board resolution provides proof that the decision was verified by the board secretary and was approved by the board president.
A certified board resolution sample follows:
I, the undersigned, do hereby certify:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed by name and affixed the seal of said organization, this 4th day of March 2023.
[insert nonprofit name]
*Note: Be sure to add your nonprofit’s official seal to the document.
Using the above board resolution examples will help your nonprofit board streamline the process of creating its own, and it will be an asset you’ll use frequently. Remember to avoid getting too caught up in whether it uses a formal or informal voice because the content is what really matters.
A board resolution template gives you a fill-in-the-blank form, making it easy for any board director to present a resolution at the next board meeting. Consider saving the sample board resolutions we’ve shown here in your board management system.
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