Top 10 Books and Audiobooks Every New Nonprofit Board Member Should Read

Serving on a nonprofit board is both an honor and a responsibility. New board members are often surprised by the scope of their fiduciary duties, fundraising expectations, and governance responsibilities. The right resources can dramatically shorten the learning curve and help board members contribute with confidence.

Below are ten highly recommended books and audiobooks that provide practical insight into nonprofit governance, leadership, and board effectiveness.

Governance as Leadership – Richard P. Chait, William P. Ryan, and Barbara E. Taylor

Best for: Understanding the board’s strategic role. This foundational text reframes governance beyond oversight, introducing fiduciary, strategic, and generative governance models that every board member should understand.

Boards That Make a Difference – John Carver

Best for: Policy governance and clarity of roles. Carver’s classic work helps boards distinguish governance from management and establish disciplined, effective decision-making structures.

The Nonprofit Board Answer Book – BoardSource

Best for: Practical, quick-reference guidance. This is an excellent desk reference that answers common board questions on fundraising, fiduciary duties, committees, and executive oversight.

The Board Member’s Guide to Fundraising – Andy Robinson

Best for: Demystifying board fundraising. A highly approachable book that helps board members understand fundraising as relationship-building, not sales.

Nonprofit Management 101 – Darian Rodriguez Heyman

Best for: Big-picture nonprofit operations. This book gives board members a solid understanding of how programs, finance, governance, and fundraising intersect.

Good to Great and the Social Sectors – Jim Collins

Best for: Strategic thinking and leadership discipline. A short but impactful read on applying disciplined leadership principles to mission-driven organizations.

The Art of Governance – Barry D. Bader

Best for: Board culture and effectiveness Bader focuses on how boards behave, make decisions, and build trust—critical for high-functioning governance.

From the Ground Up – Andy Robinson

Best for: Fundraising fundamentals. Ideal for board members new to development work, this book explains fundraising in plain language with practical examples.

The Executive Director’s Guide to Thriving as a Nonprofit Leader – BoardSource

Best for: Understanding the ED–Board relationship. Board members gain valuable insight into executive leadership challenges and how boards can be effective partners.

Nonprofit Governance and Management (Audiobook option) – Various authors

Best for: Learning on the go. Audiobooks are an excellent option for busy board members. Look for BoardSource publications and governance-focused compilations available on Audible or similar platforms.

Providing board members with the right learning tools sets the tone for effective governance. These books and audiobooks support informed decision-making, stronger fundraising engagement, and healthier board–staff relationships.

For organizations onboarding new board members, consider pairing these resources with structured training, governance templates, and clear expectations. Strong boards are built intentionally.

Looking for ready-to-use board training materials, governance templates, or onboarding tools? Visit our Digital Document Library or contact us to support your board’s success.