Independent Sector, which convened the Panel, has just released an exciting new tool to make it even easier for organzations to benefit from the Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice.

Since 2007, thousands of organizations have used the Principles to strengthen their practices. Now, The Principles Workbook: Steering Your Board Toward Good Governance and Ethical Practice expands on and elucidates each of the 33 principles, helping nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs assess the areas where their organizations are doing well and where there is room for improvement.

Created in partnership with BoardSource, the Workbook distills the core concepts in each principle and suggests points for board and staff to discuss about their current practices. Progress worksheets accompanying each of the four sections assist nonprofits and foundations in making plans and recording their progress.

Copies of the Workbook can be downloaded for free from the Independent Sector website; print copies can be ordered from BoardSource.

The Principles remain an invaluable resource for organizations committed to improving governance. They represent the first time that organizations reflecting a broad cross-section of the American nonprofit community came together to develop principles of ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency that they aspire to and encourage all organizations to follow.

The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector incorporated a careful review of more than 50 self-regulation systems, counsel from a diverse committee of experts, and significant feedback from the field in the development of these Principles. The Reference Edition of the Principles includes legal background for each Principle, studies on self-regulation systems, and a glossary of terms. An Executive Summary is available for those who want a brief overview of the Principles.

Sign on to the Principles
View list of those who have signed on

Download the Guide for Charities and Foundations
Order print copies of the Guide for Charities and Foundations

Download the Reference Edition
Order print copies of the Reference Edition

Download the Executive Summary