In addition to putting bylaws, policies & job descriptions in writing, a nonprofit committee charter is essential for detailing your current or future agenda. If your nonprofit does not currently have a board, begin by creating a committee for your charter topic. The creation of the committee allows your charter topic to receive full attention and discussion. After gathering a diverse committee, you may now form your nonprofit committee charter.

Tips for Forming a Nonprofit Committee Charter

Educational, religious, and other nonprofit organizations need detailed committee charters. The charter allows the nonprofit to address specific issues. Forming a nonprofit committee ensures a fair, researched, outcome. 

Define Your Nonprofit Committee’s Main Purpose

At the top of the charter, define your purpose for creating the nonprofit committee. The statement may be a brief or detailed overview of the reason for forming the committee. The choice depends on your nonprofit organization. The committee charter purpose should answer these three questions:

• Why is the committee being formed?
• What are the primary goals of the committee?
• What are the committee’s main objectives?

Remember to use clear and concise words for everyone to understand the reason for development.  

Outline the Primary Responsibilities of the Nonprofit Committee

In this section of the nonprofit committee charter, define how the committee will achieve the primary goal. If working together is essential for a successful outcome, clearly state the importance in the document. Detailing objectives of the committee as a workable unit will help the chosen group understand priorities.

Name the Membership Criteria

In the nonprofit committee charter, a section needs to define who will serve on the committee. If your nonprofit organization currently has a board of trustees, one of the active board members should be part of the committee. The board member may act as the chairperson or advisor. Addressing other membership criteria will help your nonprofit organization form the best committee for the current issue. 

• Define how the committee member will be chosen.
• Clarify the number of individuals that will serve on the committee. Generally, a committee has approximately five members. More in depth matters may require a larger committee.
• State the names of individuals who will have voting rights.
• Define if the committee meetings and details are public.

Responsibilities of the Chairperson

Selecting a chairperson is vital to the nonprofit committee charter. The person may be a board member or other responsible party. The charter should include specific details for the chairperson.

• The selection process of the chairperson
• The length of the chairperson’s responsibilities or term limit
• Define the process for replacing the chairperson.
• Name a vice chair

As you define the responsibilities of the chairperson, keep in mind your nonprofit’s bylaws and policies. The creation of the committee charter cannot be in conflict with the nonprofits rules, regulations or any form of federal or state guidelines.

Meeting Criteria

The charter must include details on meetings.

• How often will the committee meet?
• Where will the committee meet?
• Who will handle minutes?
• How will the process of new information be handled?
• Who will have financial responsibilities?

Providing details on the nonprofit committee charter allows individuals to follow strict guidelines. Forming a nonprofit committee charter allows your nonprofit to handle specific topics, agendas, and other pertinent details. 

Our nonprofit audit services give our clients valuable feedback and guidance. If you have any questions about our nonprofit services, one of our CPAs would be happy to speak with you at (925) 933-2626 or, email us at info@winttercpa.com.