What is the Difference between a Board Packet and a Board Report?

From a governance perspective, a board packet and an executive board report serve different purposes and contain distinct types of information, although both are crucial to board meetings.

What is a Board Packet?

A board packet (also known as a board book) is a single document, containing a merged collection of meeting materials usually in the form of a PDF.

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A packet typically aimed at the entire board of directors and includes content like:

• Agenda for the meeting
• Minutes from previous meetings for approval
• Financial reports (e.g., balance sheets, income statements)
• Committee reports (e.g., audit, finance, governance)
• Operational updates (such as staff or program updates)
• Strategic items (e.g., proposals for new initiatives or projects)
• Supporting documentation for agenda items (e.g., legal opinions, contracts)

Board packets are normally distributed a week or two before every board meeting.

What is a Board Report?

The executive director board report is a specific document, which is usually included inside the board packet.

The board reports primary role is to update the board on the organization’s operational status, key developments and strategic priorities. The report provides the board with insights on how the organization is being managed day-to-day.

A board report typically includes:

• Updates on the organization’s performance
• Key challenges or issues the organization is facing
• Staffing updates (e.g., new hires, significant changes)
• Fundraising efforts and outcomes
• Strategic recommendations or concerns
• Executive insights on upcoming risks, opportunities, or decisions the board needs to make

Below is a table with a breakdown of the differences:

Key Differences