Intro to Governance: Principles of good governance for nonprofits is a free workshop offered as part of our INTEGRALIntros series of educational webinars on topics of interest to your nonprofit organization's management, board members, and staff.

To assist you on your journey to learn more about nonprofit governance, we have collected the workshop slides, the recording of the most recent webinar, and some helpful governance resources.

Understanding the principles of governance is integral to the smooth and effective running of any nonprofit or charitable organization. No matter the size or scope of your organization, taking the time to make sure the board is engaged and aligned is critical.

This workshop incorporates three interconnected areas of responsibility – fiduciary, strategic, and generative – and the board’s role in focusing on the entire organization and working together as a whole.

Recording

Watch the recording of the most recent presentation of Intro to Governance (May 14, 2025.)

Resources

Standards: Imagine Canada Accreditation The Governance section contains shared standards for charities and nonprofits in board leadership, board oversight, and governance policies and processes.

The Board Development Program: Alberta-based resources for nonprofit governance.

CPA Canada: Chartered Professional Accountants: A wide range of high quality and up-to-date resources on nonprofit finance, governance, and human resources.

BoardSource: Provides leaders with an extensive range of tools, resources, and research data to increase board effectiveness and strengthen organizational impact. An American resource, but still very helpful on governance matters.

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Four Principles of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership: Thoughtful article questioning whether "nonprofit boards, as they exist today, [are] equipped to govern the social good organizations for which they are responsible."