Guide to Nonprofit Succession and Transition Planning

Nonprofit organizations depend on continuity to sustain their missions, relationships, and financial health. Having a clear succession and transition plan in place helps ensure that in the event of a key employee departure from the organization, operations continue to run smoothly, institutional knowledge is preserved, and donor and financial data remain protected. A plan and the policies and procedures associated with it should be treated as living documents that are reviewed and updated annually as part of HR, governance, and risk management practices. They should be consistently applied across the organization. By proactively establishing such a plan and implementing associated policies and procedures, nonprofits can minimize disruptions and maintain stability during times of key personnel changes. The attached guide will help you get started with developing a plan. 

Please note that this guide is intended as a general resource. It does not constitute legal advice, and organizations are encouraged to consult their legal counsel to adapt these recommendations to their specific circumstances.