ModernBoard

ModernBoard logo

Delivery 
Online through Conestoga D2L Platform 

Languages 
Available in English | Disponible en français

Costs 
Essentials – $495 
Advanced- $495 

Get In Touch
Andrew Wilding at [email protected] or 866-317-1992 x2

Registration Opens Soon!

The New Standard in Board Governance Training

Nonprofit boards play a critical role in helping organizations thrive through effective board governance training. They guide strategy, ensure mission alignment, and help deliver meaningful community impact in the communities they serve. The skills and expertise of each board member are key to the board’s overall effectiveness in nonprofit leadership development.

But this is a challenge: many boards lack the resources to provide efficient board training for their directors. Directors are often juggling demanding schedules and may not have easy access to governance best practices and the tools they need to succeed in their roles. 

When board members aren’t trained properly, it can lead to a range of issues:

  • Inefficient processes 
  • Reduced community impact  
  • Trust and commitment strain from funders 

The course material examines relevant topics that directly impact our experiences and relationships not only on the board but also outside of the boardroom and in the workplace. It provides the tools that are required to create a thriving future.

Eleanor Draper
Director of Finance. United Way Waterloo Region Communities

I started this course as a relatively experienced Board Member. It rapidly became clear to me that I had much to learn about how a modern board should run and the significant responsibilities I had taken on. This course has allowed me to fill in many of these gaps … but only practice, commitment, and passion will allow me to fully realize the benefits! The journey continues!

Stuart Du Kamp
Acclaim Health 

Thanks, Susan and the team at Capacity Canada and Conestoga for another excellent course! This has been really helpful to me as I hope to become a not-for-profit ED/CEO and look forward to having a rewarding, productive and supportive partnership with a kick-ass board.

Martha Hancock

I highly recommend this course and the precursor – Essentials of Board Governance – to board members. It has certainly expanded and informed my understanding of what an effective board can be and this last section on exploring trends has been most helpful.

Lori Trumper

Meet the Creator & Author of ModernBoard 

Lead creator and author of ModernBoard, Susan Radwan, is an expert in nonprofit governance.

Her background includes significant experience not only in the nonprofit sector but also in insurance, risk management, and education. Radwan holds a B.A. in Communication Arts, and a M.Ed. in Individualized Instruction, which she has attributed to her success in governance education.

Radwan has over two decades of experience, running Leading Edge Mentoring, a nonprofit leadership and governance consulting firm, since 1996. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and an associate in risk management. In addition, Susan’s long list of accomplishments includes holding certifications in Spiral Dynamics and Gold Mastery Certifications in Strategic Management and Systems, and Strategic Thinking.

Capacity Canada is beyond pleased to work with Susan in the creation of ModernBoard.

Susan Radwan

ModernBoard Key Features 

Program Benefits

  • ZOnline learning allows for a flexible schedule
  • ZIncreased board governance capacity
  • ZGain tools/skills required to help drive boards to their goals
  • ZDevelop an understanding of board governance best practices
  • ZGain the confidence to approach board positions
  • ZDEI training

Experience

  • ZContinuous support from Capacity Canada
  • ZLive coaching webinars
  • ZBest practices from industry experts
  • ZMultimedia: video, readings, journaling
  • ZProfessional development

Course One: Essentials of Governing

Course One is offered twice in 2027

Second Essentials Course Begins: April 2027
Registration Opens Soon!

Ten week course completed at your own pace.

Unit 1: What is a Board and How Does it Work?

  • Module 1: The Nature and Privilege of Serving on a Board
  • Module 2: Types of Boards
  • Module 3: The Board as a Collective
  • Module 4: The Role of the Board

Unit 2: Role and Responsibilities of the Board

  • Module 1: Individual Board Member Rights and Responsibilities
  • Module 2: Roles and Responsibilities of the Board
  • Module 3: Specific Concerns of the Board
  • Module 4: Modes of Governance

Unit 3: The Board Process

  • Module 1: The Board’s Agenda
  • Module 2: How to Prepare for a Board Meeting
  • Module 3: Participating in a Board Meeting
  • Module 4: The Role of the Board Chair
  • Module 5: Board/Staff Relations

Unit 4: You in a Group Process

  • Module 1: Build Your Credibility on the Board
  • Module 2: How to be Powerful in a Group Process
  • Module 3: How To Hold Tension When You Disagree With Someone
  • Module 4: Dealing with Conflict
  • Module 5: Modeling Board-Building Behaviours
  • Module 6: Being Intentional in Board Deliberation

Unit 5: Successful Committee Service

  • Module 1: Successful Committee Service
  • Module 2: Chairing a Committee
  • Module 3: Managing Projects of a Committee
  • Module 4: Creating Accountability in Committee Work

Unit 6: Getting Started – Planning Your First Steps

  • Module 1: Where Do I Begin
  • Module 2: Applying for Service

Course One

Essentials of Governing
$495
  • Six Courses Included
  • Online Support
  • Approx. 30 hours in length

Course Two: Advanced Board Governance

Course Two is offered once in 2027

Course Begins January 11, 2027
Registration opens November 2026

Ten week course completed at your own pace.

Recap

  • Module 1: Individual Board Member Rights and Responsibilities
  • Module 2: Roles and Responsibilities of the Board
  • Module 3: Specific Concerns of the Board
  • Module 4: Modes of Governance

Unit 1

  • Module 1: Understanding the Organization’s Financial Statements
  • Module 2: The Board and Fundraising
  • Module 3: Developing Broad Board Policy
  • Module 4: Getting to Generative Thinking as the Board’s Culture
  • Module 5: Preparing for a Strategic Planning Process
  • Module 6: Evaluating Your CEO
  • Module 7: Preparing for a CEO Search
  • Module 8: Designing Your Board Orientation Process

Unit 2

  • Module 1: Identifying Your Organization’s Stage of Development
  • Module 2: Examining Your Assumptions About the Organization and Its Future
  • Module 3: Thinking about Social Enterprise
  • Module 4: Scanning the Future External Environment
  • Module 5: Converting Your Scanning Results into a Solid Plan for Action
  • Module 6: Executing Your Strategic Plan
  • Module 7: Measuring What Matters

Unit 3

  • Module 1: The Board As a Critical Source of Leadership
  • Module 2: Your Organization is Part of a Larger System
  • Module 3: Strategic Alliances
  • Module 4: Initiating Whole System Thinking

Unit 4

  • Module 1: Preparing for Your First Meeting as Board Chair
  • Module 2: Building Your Meeting Agenda & Creating the Board Packet
  • Module 3: Facilitating a Meeting
  • Module 4: Keeping Momentum as a Governing Board

Unit 5

  • Module 1: Assess Inclusivity in Board Work
  • Module 2: Recognize their own Implicit Bias
  • Module 3: Create Emotional, Social, and Moral Safety in a Group Setting
  • Module 4: Creating the Culture Appropriate to Achieve Feminist Governance, Part 1
  • Module 5: Creating the Culture Appropriate to Achieve Feminist Governance, Part 2

Unit 6

  • Module 1: The Landscape of Nonprofits
  • Module 2: Impact Investing

Course Two

Advanced Board Governance
$495
  • Six Courses Included
  • Online Support
  • Approx. 30 hours in length
Registration Closed

Course Information Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many weeks is each course?

  • Essentials Course is expected to be completed within 10 weeks of the start date
  • Advanced Course is expected to be completed within 10 weeks of the start date

Are there fixed class times?

  • Participants can learn at anytime of the day
  • We hold a 1-hour virtual orientation night on the start date of the courses

Will there be any quizzes during the course?

  • There will be quizzes during the course

Can I download the course materials?

  • Yes, all materials are downloadable. Please just cite Capacity Canada as your source of material
  • Videos are downloadable as well and can be listened two offline like a podcast

How do I get my login information?

  • Once registered, within 24 hours the Conestoga Register Officer will email your login Condor ID and Default Password

How long does my password have to be?

  • All Passwords MUST be equal to or greater than 16 characters. Contains both upper case and lower-case letters, as well as numbers and special characters (#, $,% etc.). They CANNOT contain any part of your first or last name or login name

What is the expected time commitment?

  • About three and a half hours per week (approximately one hour per module)
  • There are no fixed class times
  • Essentials course is expected to be completed within 10 weeks of the start date (approx. 30 hours)
  • Advanced Course is expected to be completed within 10 weeks of the start date (approx. 30 hours)

Will I receive a certificate on completion?

  • You will receive a micro-credential certificate on successful completion of both courses
  • A certificate of completion will be provided for the successful completion of one course

Is the advanced course included in the fee?

  • No, the second course is $495

Can I take the Advanced Course only?

  • No, the Essentials course is a prerequisite for the Advanced Course

How do I find my final grades?

  1. Please log into your student portal using your login credentials: https://studentportal.conestogac.on.ca/StudentPortal/Default.aspx
  2. Go to the Grades Tab: Courses are organized by program and session. Grades will be displayed as they become available
  3. This page lets you view all course enrolments and grades and print your achievement report

Sponsor Partner

Suncor Energy Foundation logo

Academic Partner

Conestoga College logo

Upgrade your board leadership

Every board member is key to the board’s overall effectiveness in nonprofit leadership development – let us help you enhance your organizations and skills.

Join ModernBoard Today!