The Board of Directors (the “Board”) shall manage the affairs of the nonprofit. The number of Directors shall be no less than three (3) and no more than twelve (12).  

The Board will form and maintain a governing body that is:

*Diverse in race and ethnicity, political and religious affiliations, marital and parenting status, professional experience/backgrounds, educational attainment, ages, economic status, and personal circumstances.

*Representative of local and extended communities served and inclusive of persons with personal understanding of the concerns and needs of the Stage IV cancer community.

*Persons with Stage IV cancers will comprise no less than 51% of Board composition. Representation of stakeholders located outside the United States may be welcomed, but the majority of Board Directors shall be physically located in the United States.

Term of Office: Each Director shall hold office for three (3) years. Directors may be re-elected. With the exception of M44’s Founder, Directors may not serve more than three (3) consecutive, 3-year terms. Directors are eligible for re-election after a lapse of three (3) years since the last term held. They are then eligible for an additional three (3) consecutive terms before they must again allow for a three (3) year lapse in service. All Directors shall hold office until their respective successors are elected, except in the case of resignation, death, disability or removal.

Election of Directors shall be on a staggered schedule to ensure that the Board of Directors maintains some consistency in leadership. Elections will be formally held each year to fill any vacant seats or replace/re-elect members whose service term is scheduled to expire.  

Our Steering Committee will be comprised of people from all walks of life, and patient advocates, care partners, and professionals without a cancer diagnosis. We will turn to this group of people for many purposes, especially when evaluating program impact, what programs should be developed and what these should look like, and ethical and policy considerations related to M44 operations.

On occasion, we may ask the entire Steering Committee to meet to offer feedback on a broader strategic plan, but we will bring in experts from different fields and individual cancer communities (including patient advocates) to make sure we are covering everything and forging in new directions with eyes wide open. As one example, if someone in our HomeMatters residential program would prefer to die at home, what kind of supports will we need to have in place to honor this wish? And will that require us to additional consider a CNA and skilled nursing division for this program?

This committee with be more active during our start-up phase, and we may not find need to continue with it beyond the first few years. We will evaluate this need as we go.

Our Clinical Advisory will be comprised of clinicians across the spectrum of patient health and wellness — from medical oncologists, researchers, and social workers to integrative medicine practitioners from varied disciplines. With this Advisory, M44 will seek suggestions and input with regard to M44 services (now and in the future), information about what cancer patients THEY serve say about their needs and concerns, and help with building critical M44 partnerships/relationships. We also would love members who would be willing to periodically contribute to our online educational programming, which can be anything from a webinar format or panel discussion to a fireside chat on a unique, rarely-covered topic.

There may be times where we think someone from the private sector may be able to give us some good advice on something. (Although, it is our position that nonprofits and for-profits do and should operate in very different ways, as our purpose for existing and end goals are not the same.) For that, this Advisory would serve a dual purpose: True Advice and Relationship/Funding Support.

On the relationship end of this, we hope business leaders will help bridge introductions that may result in new corporate partners/sponsors, identification of potential new Board members, generous donations from persons within the business community (through their networks) and from their businesses as well, and to, ideally, personally host small fundraisers in their respective communities on our behalf… such as a brunch or happy hour held specifically in support of M44.

This Advisory is a support arm that will likely be more economic in nature, although we think it likely that there will be times we turn to someone who can answer specific questions for us about an industry, about investments, about property purchases, and so forth.

Offer what you can. We are all ears with advice… and we have plenty of ideas and customizable support mechanisms for local house parties or events held at an area restaurant.

The Finance Committee oversees the organization’s financial health, budgeting, and fiscal management. It provides recommendations to the Board regarding financial policies, audits, and financial planning.

This committee is chaired by the Board Treasurer and includes a minimum membership of two (2) additional Board members. Membership by non-Board persons requires a strong background in accounting, professional bookkeeping, budget development or relevant fiscal management experience.  The committee meets at least quarterly to review all financial records of the organization while the Treasurer/Chairperson is responsible for monthly oversight. The Finance committee ensures that all fiscal records are in alignment with GAAP, and that annual tax returns and independent fiscal audits are prepared and filed as required. The committee also ensures that all filings and reports take place as required by law to protect the organization’s legal and nonprofit tax status.

The Finance Committee is responsible for developing and reviewing fiscal control procedures, a fundraising plan, and annual budget with staff and other Board members. The Board must approve the budget, and all expenditures must be within the budget. Any major change in the budget must be approved by the Board of Directors. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year. Annual reports are required to be submitted to the Board showing revenues, expenditures, and pending income streams. M44’s financial records are public information and shall be made available upon request to Board members, government agencies, grantmakers and other funders, and the public.

This committee is chaired by the Board Vice President. All members must be sitting members of the Board of Directors. The committee shall field candidate nominations from Board members and others, ensure proper vetting of potential Board members to determine qualifications and talents through personal interviews and reference checks, and recommend potential new candidates to the full Board of Directors for consideration. If there is no Vice President, the Board President shall preside over this committee.

The Quality Assurance Committee ensures that the organization’s programs and services meet established standards and objectives. It may conduct evaluations, assess impact, and recommend improvements.

This committee is chaired by the Board Secretary. The committee shall have adequate subcommittees to maintain inspection and improvement systems for all organizational and programmatic sectors. This will include, but not be limited to, internal record keeping that is 1) organized, 2) consistent, and 3) accurate/true, personnel policy compliance and effectiveness, annual satisfaction surveys and other organizational evaluation processes, and adherence to all policies and procedures as adopted by the Board of Directors.

Members should have experience in program evaluation, quality management, or a related field.

The Fundraising & Special Events Committee helps plan and (sometimes) execute events, campaigns, and initiatives to secure financial support for the organization.

Members should possess fundraising experience, event planning skills, and (ideally) a personal and/or professional network of potential M44 donors. We are looking for bridge-builders and persons who can introduce us to people with whom M44 should foster relationships. Marketing and communication skills are also valuable, as is the ability to help M44 optimize outcomes and both digital and in-person outreach methodologies.

The Public Relations/Marketing Committee provides guidance, critique, and suggestions regarding the organization’s public image, communication strategies, and outreach efforts. Members should have marketing, public relations, or communications expertise. Familiarity with digital marketing and social media is a plus. We also could benefit from those who could assist M44 if/when navigating more controversial issues, should any surface, as relates to organizational messaging, language choices, and formal policy positions.

In partnership with M44’s CEO, the Board Development & Training Committee helps create/provide targeted group and individualized training/skills development programming for M44 Board Members.

Experience in Board governance, leadership development, or training is beneficial. Members of this committee must have at least one area of Board-related specialty, and are not expected to be all-around nonprofit experts. If you have something to teach our Board, or can help us locate external resources to meet development needs… we want you!

The Personnel Committee provides expertise/guidance related to human resources and employment law. Ideally, it would be helpful to have a member with an understanding of benefits packages as well. This committee will not be expected to create policies & procedures, job descriptions, or any other employment-related materials. However, they will serve as a sounding board and asked to scrutinize our written materials and on-the-ground practices. In particular, we will seek out their expertise and feedback as we venture into, and continually evaluate, IMAGINE – Stage4 JobCorps efforts.

Members should have human resources, legal, and/or organizational development expertise. Knowledge of employment law and practices is important, but so too is the right mindset; M44 is firmly rooted in a progressive philosophy embracing healthy and happy, human-centered employee-employer relationships. Employees are our partners. We intentionally seek members with an understanding of the 30-hour work week, job sharing and flex time, benefits/challenges of policies such as unlimited paid time off, and innovation in strengths-based jobs creation.

The Grievance Committee addresses and resolves internal and external disputes or complaints within the organization. It may investigate complaints and recommend solutions.

Members should bring expert-level conflict resolution skills, diplomacy, and an ability to view difficult or complex circumstances with impartiality. Legal, counseling, or mediation experience is beneficial.

The Policy & Procedures Committee reviews new and updated M44 policies & procedures as needed, and recommends either formal adoption by the Board or necessary revisions. This body ensures that policies are clear, well-written, and fully align with both legal requirements and M44’s mission. As the Steering Committee will likely be discontinued after M44 reaches full operational mode, this committee will assume ongoing policy reviews and recommendations after the start-up phase has concluded.

Members should have legal, policy, program/organizational development, or governance expertise. Familiarity with nonprofit norms, best practices, and promising trends is important.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee focuses on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity within the organization. M44 leans toward using the acronym JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) over DEI, but it is listed here as DEI so that people understand what this committee is all about. This committee may help develop initiatives to better address disparities and enhance cultural competence/humility within and external to M44. This group will help to identify gaps in supports and services for marginalized communities, as well as help M44 staff determine what is needed to effectively fill those service voids. The DEI/JEDI committee will be asked to also review M44’s website content, policies & procedures, social media feeds, written products and visual media, etc. and offer immediate alerts to leadership if language choices or decision-making is found to be disrespectful of minority populations and/or microagressions are detected. This group will offer training, as needed, to staff and M44 leadership, and help us determine what we are doing well and where we have work to do to “walk that walk.”

Members of this committee must have interest and experience in evaluating/promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within an organization. Requires sensitivity to cultural differences, cultural humility as daily practice, and a deep commitment to fostering an affirmative, inclusive, welcoming environment for all. This committee will require highly-diverse membership, with representatives from BIPOC and other intersectional communities leading the way.