20 Questions Directors of Not-for-profit Organizations Should Ask about Risk

Risk is a reality for every not-for-profit organization. There are many things that can go wrong, from minor, day-to-day incidents to major crises. These may adversely affect the delivery of programs and services, damage the organization’s reputation or, at worst, threaten its capacity to survive. These “risks” can generally be reduced or avoided by good risk management – one of the key responsibilities of a board of directors.

20 Questions Directors of Not-for-profit Organizations Should Ask about Risk was written to help members of not-for-profit boards of directors understand their responsibility for the oversight of risk. The document explains what “risk” and “risk management” mean, describes how risks can be identified and managed, and provides guidance for boards on how to carry out their oversight responsibilities.