Sarbanes-Oxley for Nonprofit Boards : A New Governance Paradigm

Within the past three years, the nonprofit board has increasingly been held under the microscope of public scrutiny. The Grassley hearings of 2004 and 2005 and the publicity of high profile scandals at organizations such as the American Red Cross and the James Beard Foundation have informed the American public—and lawmakers at federal and state levels—that scandals and fraud are no longer exclusive to the Enrons of the private sector. Nonprofit boards are feeling the heat and are being held accountable for the actions of their charities. Sarbanes Oxley for Nonprofit Boards shows your nonprofit board and its leadership how to implement Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) requirements and best practices into your organization as well as make sense of what is expected in this new environment. With an emphasis on raising your nonprofit s standard of performance, author and nonprofit specialist Dr. Peggy Jackson skillfully explains how to leverage the power and value of SOX requirements and best practices to move your nonprofit s board toward a higher quality of governance. Forms and checklists accompany the discussion, for a user friendly presentation. Valuable for both large and small nonprofits, Sarbanes Oxley for Nonprofit Boards presents proactive methods for intervention and discusses: Why nonprofit boards have difficulty in adjusting to twenty first century expectations SOX as a cure for "LYBATD" ("Leave Your Brains At The Door") syndrome Some clues to interpreting a board s culture Other clues to observing dysfunction How to jump start your board to a higher level of productivity The difficult discussion: talking to senior management, staff, and volunteers about fraud Factors that promote fraud How to scale SOX best practices in small nonprofits Unflinching in describing the source of dysfunctions within nonprofits,this practical guide shows nonprofit board members, prospective board members, and other nonprofit educational organizations, foundations, and philanthropic groups the best ways to rehabilitate their nonprofit s organizational profile and gain a competitive advantage in today s business environment.