Self-Paced Nonprofit Program – Module 1

MODULE 1 – Board Governance and Nonprofit Sustainability

This module focuses on the foundational governance structures required to sustain a successful nonprofit organization. Participants explore the roles and responsibilities of the governing board, individual board members, and the nonprofit corporation itself.

You’ll learn practical strategies for building a stronger, more engaged board—including effective board recruitment methods—and gain clarity on governance expectations tied to IRS Form 990 requirements. This module equips nonprofit leaders with the tools needed to strengthen accountability, compliance, and long-term organizational health.

Includes: governance guidance, board development insights, and compliance-focused resources.

My name is Nancy Heskin-Rakness, Director of Nonprofit Education for Strengthen ND. My background is 25 years with the Girl Scouts, two years as a troop leader and 23 years in the role of regional CEO. During that time, I gained national certification status by meeting the competencies of a nonprofit executive through application and testing. My career history also includes the following roles: district administrator, interim executive director, and human resources manager. Through the years, I attended well over one hundred educational conferences, and I kept track of what worked and made a positive impact. My aim is to share what I learned to support your efforts to increase the capacity and sustainability of your nonprofit.

Each module in Strengthen ND’s Nonprofit Certificate Program is designed to build practical leadership capacity through structured, self-paced online learning. Participants complete pre- and post-session confidence surveys, review curated resources, and download editable templates to apply directly within their organization. Course materials are accessible only through registration and cannot be edited online.