Certified Nonprofit Professional Practice Exam

To uphold their duty of loyalty, what should a board member prioritize?

1. Their personal interests

2. The interests of the organization

3. Opinions of the community

4. Collaborations with other nonprofits

The correct answer is: The interests of the organization

The duty of loyalty is a fundamental principle governing the behavior of board members within nonprofit organizations. This principle requires members to prioritize the interests of the organization above all else, ensuring that their decisions and actions serve the nonprofit's mission and objectives. By prioritizing the interests of the organization, board members demonstrate commitment to its goals and to the stakeholders they serve, including beneficiaries, donors, and the community at large. This focus is essential for maintaining trust and integrity within the organization and helps safeguard its resources and reputation. When board members align their actions with the organization’s best interests, they also help ensure that the organization can fulfill its mission effectively and sustainably. The other choices involve considerations that are secondary to the obligation of loyalty. Personal interests might conflict with the organization's needs, opinions of the community are important but should not supersede the core mission of the nonprofit, and collaborations can indeed be beneficial but only when they align with and support the organization’s primary goals. Therefore, affirming the interests of the organization is paramount when discussing the duty of loyalty.