We are a small, not-for-profit organization, and are considering a project this year to review, simplify and modernize our Board Policy Manual. We have a very small staff and are concerned that it may be too big a project to undertake internally. As such, we need to determine if we can afford the option of outsourcing this project, or find a way to do it internally. We would appreciate any advice we could get on a budget estimate and/or recommendations for individuals or firms who do this kind of work.

I recently worked with a small nonprofit who needed to assess and rebuild their governance framework (establishing a Minute Book, reviewing old bylaws, etc.).  We used a format that fit their budget - essentially they did the work themselves, but through a short weekly session (part in person and part by Skype) I provided feedback, samples, and coaching as they worked through it.  The same model might work for your Policy project if you have some capacity in-house, but could use a bit of support from a local advisor.  You could see if any local or part-time consultants are available in your area.