Board Member Onboarding

Welcome to the Stop Now Foundation Board

This portal guides new board members through everything they need to know — our mission, governance structure, responsibilities, and the people who make it all possible.

Begin Onboarding View Checklist
2020
Year founded
5+
States reached
5K+
Lives impacted
501(c)(3)
Tax-exempt status
Welcome

A Message from Our Board Chair

You've joined a community of dedicated leaders committed to driving change where it matters most.

On behalf of the entire board and staff of the Stop Now Foundation, welcome. Your decision to serve represents a meaningful commitment to the communities we exist to protect and empower. This portal is your starting point — a comprehensive guide to our organization, your responsibilities, and the resources available to you.

Serving on a nonprofit board is one of the most impactful forms of civic leadership. You'll help shape policy, steward resources, and represent the voices of those our programs serve. We've built this onboarding experience so that from your very first meeting, you'll have the context and confidence to contribute meaningfully.

Please take time to review each section, complete the checklist, and reach out to any member of the team with questions. We're genuinely glad you're here.

BC
Board Chair, Stop Now Foundation
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Our Mission

What We Stand For

The Stop Now Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing violence, strengthening community resilience, and creating pathways to safety and opportunity for those most at risk. Our programs are built on evidence-based strategies, community trust, and an unwavering commitment to equity.

Prevention

Early-intervention programs that address the root causes of violence before harm occurs.

Community

Centering the lived experience of those we serve — building trust through presence and accountability.

Impact

Data-driven outcomes that demonstrate real change — measured, reported, and continuously improved.

Governance

Roles & Responsibilities

Every board member carries three core fiduciary duties and a set of active obligations that keep our organization healthy and accountable.

Three Fiduciary Duties: All board members are legally bound to the Duty of Care (act with diligence and informed judgment), Duty of Loyalty (place the organization's interests above personal interests), and Duty of Obedience (adhere to the mission and legal requirements).
  • Strategic Oversight Participate in the development, review, and approval of the organization's strategic plan. Ensure programs align with the mission and monitor organizational performance.
  • Financial Stewardship Review and approve annual budgets, monitor financial performance, ensure sufficient reserves, and safeguard assets. Attend financial briefings and review audited statements.
  • Executive Director Support Participate in the hiring, evaluation, and where necessary, transition of the Executive Director. Provide ongoing support and serve as a sounding board for organizational leadership.
  • Community Ambassador Represent the Foundation in your personal and professional networks. Participate in fundraising efforts, donor cultivation, and community engagement as your capacity allows.
  • Meeting Attendance Attend at least 75% of full board meetings and your designated committee meetings annually. Come prepared, having reviewed all materials distributed in advance.
  • Personal Contribution Make an annual personal contribution that is meaningful to you. The Foundation asks every board member to participate in giving at a level that reflects their capacity, with 100% board participation being essential for grant applications.
Documents

Governance Documents

These foundational documents define how the Stop Now Foundation operates. Every board member is expected to read and understand each one.

Articles of Incorporation Our founding legal document establishing the organization
Required
Bylaws Rules governing board structure, elections, and meeting procedures
Required
Conflict of Interest Policy Guidelines for identifying and managing conflicts
Sign Required
Current Year Budget Approved operating budget and program allocations
Strategic Plan 2024–2027 Long-term organizational goals and priority initiatives
Most Recent Form 990 IRS annual information return (public document)
Whistleblower Policy Procedures for reporting and protecting good-faith concerns
Required
Board Member Agreement Your signed commitment to board responsibilities
Sign Required
Structure

Board Committees

Our committees are where the detailed work happens. Every board member serves on at least one committee — new members will be placed based on expertise and interest.

Executive Committee
Chair: Board Chair

Acts on behalf of the full board between meetings when time-sensitive decisions are required. Consists of the Board Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Finance & Audit Committee
Chair: Board Treasurer

Oversees financial controls, risk management, and the annual audit process. Reviews financial statements quarterly and recommends the budget to the full board for approval.

Development & Fundraising
Chair: TBD

Leads board-level fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, event planning, and grant oversight. All board members are expected to participate in at least one development activity per year.

Programs & Evaluation
Chair: Vice Chair

Reviews program performance data, evaluates impact metrics, and provides guidance on program strategy and community alignment.

Governance & Nominating
Chair: Secretary

Manages board recruitment, nominations, orientation, and ongoing board development. Conducts annual board self-assessment and ensures governance best practices.

Communications & Advocacy
Chair: At-Large Member

Guides the organization's public voice, media relations, and policy advocacy positions. Works closely with staff communications team on major messaging initiatives.

Calendar

Meeting Schedule

Full board meetings are held quarterly. Committee meetings occur on their own cadence. All dates and dial-in links are distributed by the Board Secretary.

Attendance requirement: Board members are expected to attend at least 75% of full board meetings each year. Please notify the Board Secretary at least 48 hours in advance if you are unable to attend.
Meeting Frequency Typical Time Format
Full Board Meeting
All board members required		 Quarterly 2nd Tuesday, 6:00–8:00 PM Hybrid (in-person + Zoom)
Finance & Audit Committee Monthly Last Thursday, 12:00–1:00 PM Zoom
Development Committee Bi-monthly 1st Wednesday, 5:30–7:00 PM In-person preferred
Programs & Evaluation Bi-monthly 3rd Monday, 4:00–5:30 PM Zoom
Governance & Nominating Quarterly As needed, 1 hour Zoom
Annual Board Retreat Annual Spring — full day In-person, off-site
Annual Community Gala
Board attendance strongly encouraged		 Annual Fall — evening event In-person
Finance

Financial Overview

Board members carry collective fiduciary responsibility. Understanding our financial landscape is essential to fulfilling that duty.

Annual Budget
$2.4M
Operating Reserve
4.2 mo
Program Ratio
78%

Our revenues come from a diversified mix of individual donations, foundation grants, government contracts, and earned income from training services. The Finance & Audit Committee reviews monthly financial statements; the full board reviews and approves the annual budget each December.

As a board member, you are expected to review the financial reports distributed prior to each quarterly board meeting and be prepared to ask questions about significant variances, program costs, or reserve levels. The Treasurer provides a financial summary at each meeting.

Important: No board member may authorize expenditures, sign contracts, or make financial commitments on behalf of the Foundation without explicit authorization from the Executive Director or board resolution. If in doubt, ask first.
People

Key Contacts

Your primary points of contact for board-related matters, questions, and logistical support.

BC
Board Chair
Board Leadership
board@stopnowfoundation.org
ED
Executive Director
Organizational Leadership
director@stopnowfoundation.org
BS
Board Secretary
Minutes & Scheduling
secretary@stopnowfoundation.org
TR
Board Treasurer
Finance & Audit
treasurer@stopnowfoundation.org
DO
Development Office
Fundraising Support
development@stopnowfoundation.org
GS
General Staff Line
General Inquiries
info@stopnowfoundation.org
Action Items

New Board Member Checklist

Complete your information below, check off each item as you complete it, then download the form as a PDF and email it to info@stopnowfoundation.org.

Board Member Information
Acknowledgements & Signature
By typing your name above you confirm all information is accurate.
Checklist

Check off each item below as you complete it — your progress is tracked above.

  • Orientation Read the Board Member Welcome Packet and this onboarding portal in full
  • Legal Sign and return the Conflict of Interest Policy disclosure form
  • Legal Sign and return the Board Member Agreement
  • Documents Review the bylaws, most recent Form 990, and current strategic plan
  • Introduction Schedule a 30-minute introductory call with the Executive Director
  • Committee Confirm your committee assignment with the Board Secretary
  • Giving Make or pledge your annual personal contribution
  • Engagement Attend your first full board meeting and introduce yourself to fellow members
Completed forms are sent to
info@stopnowfoundation.org
Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions new board members ask most often. Still have questions? Contact the Board Secretary.

Plan for approximately 4–6 hours per month on average. This includes quarterly board meetings (approximately 2 hours each), monthly or bi-monthly committee meetings (1–1.5 hours), review of materials beforehand, and occasional events or community engagements. Board retreats and the annual gala require additional time.
The Foundation asks that every board member make an annual personal contribution that is meaningful given their personal financial situation — there is no set minimum. What matters most to funders and grantors is 100% board participation in giving, not the amount. Board members are also expected to support fundraising efforts through donor cultivation, outreach, and event attendance.
Yes. Full board meetings are hybrid — you may attend in person or via Zoom. Many committee meetings are held entirely via Zoom. Some events (like the annual retreat and gala) are in-person and board attendance is strongly encouraged. The Board Secretary distributes Zoom links for all scheduled meetings.
Disclose the conflict immediately at the meeting before discussion begins. The minutes will record your disclosure, and you will be asked to recuse yourself from both the discussion and the vote on that matter. This process protects you and the organization — when in doubt, disclose.
Generally, no. As a nonprofit board member you are protected from personal liability for the organization's debts and obligations, provided you act in good faith and within your fiduciary duties. The Foundation carries Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance. Personal liability can arise in cases of fraud, gross negligence, or self-dealing — which is why the conflict of interest policy and fiduciary duties exist.
The Board governs, and staff manages — this distinction is important. Board members should direct most inquiries through the Executive Director rather than contacting program staff directly. For logistical matters (scheduling, documents), the Board Secretary is your main point of contact. If you need to speak with a staff member for committee work, coordinate through the Executive Director.